Bit of strengthening needed and no mistake. The large ground makes raising cash easier, and promotion means I can target better players. In order to fit them into the ridiculously large squad, a cull is in order. Out go loads of crapsters, mostly on a free, although I get 5 million for the strangely useless Claudio Husain.
Goalkeeper back-up arrives with the promising youngster Agliardi from Brescia for 1.5 million.
Defensive reinforcement comes in the shape of Mexes (SW) and Pivotto (DC) on Bosmans and Cesar (D/DML) for 2.5 million.
The midfield is strengthened with Peixe (DMC) on a Bosman, Timoschuk (D/DMRLC) for 2.5 million, Sixto Peralta (AM/FRLC) for 3.8 million, and in February, Nikiforenko (AM/FC) on a Bosman.
Valuable firepower is added up front with Cherno Samba on a Bosman and, come November, Vasilyuk on yet another Bosman free.
It becomes clear fairly quickly that the 442 formation used in Serie B isn't going to do the job. Particularly away from home, where early season points are thin on the ground. So after 10 games and a not too bad mid-table position, I revert to "old faithful" or 352A at home, and the dreary looking, but bizarrely effective 31411 away from home.
Results improve markedly, although not enough to prevent a round 2 Italian Cup defeat to Atalanta, and Napoli push up into the top 8 for the second half of the season. From 4th to 10th it's pretty tight and it's a scrap for various European spots. Eventually, with a fine end of season run, 6th place is obtained, and a place in the UEFA Cup. The result of the season a marvellous 3-0 win at home over AC Milan, Sixto Peralta the architect with 2 goals.
Fan's Player goes to Graffiedi again, with 16 goals and a share of the golden boot with Batistuta at Roma and Shevchenko at Milan. Illustrious company for the young man. Sixto Peralta is the best of the newbs with 10 assists and 7 goals. To Europe!
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