Rudi Garcia The Key As Napoli Begin Their Serie A Title Defence

Napoli head into their first title defence in over three decades with questions as to whether new management will be up to replicating last season's stunning charge to glory. Rudi Garcia will make his official debut on Saturday as Napoli kick off the 2023/24 campaign at promoted Frosinone with a similar line-up to the one which cruised to the Scudetto and became Italy's fourth different champions in as many years. The Frenchman replacing title-winning coach Luciano Spalletti is the key factor in doubts over Napoli's credentials this season.

Garcia has bucked a trend by leaving Saudi Arabia, sacked by Al Nassr in April not long after they signed Cristiano Ronaldo and before the country's clubs began a mega-money feeding frenzy in Europe.

The 59-year-old is familiar with Italian football thanks to his time with Roma, whom he guided to Champions League football in 2014 and 2015 and like Spalletti has plenty of charisma.

But his only trophies as a manager came 12 years ago when he won the league and cup double with Lille, the Europa League final with Marseille in 2018 and a French League Cup final with Lyon two years later the closest he has come to glory since then.

- Stars staying -

Playing in his favour is Napoli keeping hold of star striker Victor Osimhen, who is likely to sign a contract extension until 2026 in the coming weeks and will again lead the way after scoring 31 goals last season.

Osimhen's attacking partner in attacking crime Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was never likely to leave but it's a sign of how healthy Napoli are structurally that last term's top scorer and breakout star are more than happy to stay put.

And bar Kim Min-jae, who has left for Bayern Munich, Napoli have kept hold of everyone involved in the