Napoli: Three hopes, one fear

Hope #2: That Arkadiusz Milik can replace Gonzalo Higuain.

We talked about this in the beginning but it bears repeating again: it is never easy replacing a scorer like Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentine’s 38 goals last season led Serie A and was an asset during some difficult matches for Napoli. Teams have faced significant drop-offs in form after losing their star striker.

Given that his replacement, Arkadiusz Milik, came from Ajax and that strikers who come from Dutch football often have trouble making the transition it is understandable that there was some concern about his ability to make the jump.

Thankfully for Napoli supporters Milik has thrived at Napoli. His two goals against Dynamo Kiev in their first match in the Champions League this season has set the tone for what has been a promising campaign thus far for the Polish international. Furthermore, his willingness to create opportunities for his teammates like Dries Mertens ( five goals in 2016-2017) and Jose Callejon (five goals) has created a more balanced attack for the Partenopei.

Napoli might not be able to replace Higuain’s prodigious form. But a solid campaign from Milik, Mertens, and Callejon could be enough to keep them on top of Serie A.