Former Napoli director Pierpaolo Marino has expressed his belief that Napoli are the frontrunners for the 2024-25 Serie A championship, citing Antonio Conte’s appointment as a significant advantage.

The current Serie A standings show Inter leading Napoli by three points. At the season’s outset, defending champions Inter were considered the favorites, with Napoli, Juventus, Milan, and Atalanta viewed as their closest challengers.

Following a disappointing title defense in 2023-24, Napoli brought in Antonio Conte, who has quickly revitalized the team’s performance at the Stadio Maradona.

Marino, who previously served as director for both Napoli and Udinese, told Il Mattino: “I anticipated this trajectory. Conte brings added value. His winning mentality has given the team an extra gear and improved their solidity.”

Despite Napoli winning only two of their last nine league matches, they remain in close contention with Inter. The league leaders face a more challenging fixture list and are still competing in the Coppa Italia and Champions League.

Napoli’s current Serie A record stands at 19 wins, 8 draws, and 4 losses, accumulating 65 points from 31 games. Under Conte’s guidance, they have scored 48 goals while conceding just 25, boasting the league’s strongest defense.

Marino estimates Napoli’s chances of clinching the Scudetto this season at 51%. He also predicts a bright future for football in the Campania region, suggesting that more local teams could soon join Napoli in Italy’s top flight.

“I believe Avellino and Salernitana have the potential to reach Serie A, much like Napoli did,” Marino stated. “With solid projects and strong fan bases in Campania, it’s entirely feasible to see three or four teams from the region in Serie A in the coming years.”