Italian Soccer Icon Picks Napoli To Retain Scudetto But Believes Juventus Will Be ‘Right Behind’ If Rumored Transfer Goes Through

Italian soccer icon, Paolo Di Canio, has picked Napoli to retain their Serie A title but believes Juventus can be right behind if Dusan Vlahovic leaves this summer.

Who Does Paolo Di Canio Predict To Win Serie A Title?

Paolo Di Canio is regarded as one of the most iconic Italian players of all-time, being a part of memorable moments and playing across multiple leagues in Europe.

The fiery forward began his career with Lazio, making his Serie A debut in October 1988 at 20-years-old and going on to play for Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan.

During his time in Italy, Di Canio made 245 Serie A appearances, contributing to 50 goals (32G + 18A) and winning the Serie A title in 1995/96 with the Rossoneri.

Despite his successful club career, Di Canio never earned an international cap with the Italian national side and only represented his nation with the U21 team.

The 57-year-old dipped his toe into management between 2011-2013, but is now a renowned soccer pundit on Sky Sports Italia and recently gave his prediction for the Serie A title.

Napoli picked up the Serie A title under Antonio Conte last season and are favorites to win the Scudetto, despite losing out on Jack Grealish and turning their attention to new targets.

However, although Di Canio believes Napoli are going to retain their league title, the Italian also picked Juventus to be right behind if they sell Dusan Vlahovic and bring in Sandro Tonali.

Di Canio said: “The Azzurri remain the favorites because they haven’t changed their coaching staff and are signing players with Conte’s approval. It’s the same point I was making about Inter in recent years. As for the Nerazzurri, a renewed sense of enthusiasm could also change some of their playing principles.

“I place them alongside Milan, who are led by a pragmatic coach like Allegri and don’t have European competitions. Right behind them is Juventus, who will push further up if Vlahovic leaves and Tonali arrives.”

Will Dusan Vlahovic Leave Juventus?

The Serbian striker has been one of the hottest topics during this summer transfer window, as Juventus look to offload Vlahovic and bring in Randal Kolo Muani.

Since joining the Old Lady in January 2022 for almost $90 million, Vlahovic has made 145 appearances and contributed to 72 goals (58G + 14A).

After scoring just 10 league goals for Juventus last season, the former Fiorentina star has fallen out-of-favor in Turin and does not appear to be in Igor Tudor’s plans.

Interestingly, Di Canio mentioned about offloading Vlahovic this summer and bringing in Sandro Tonali, with Juve reportedly ready to offer a two-player swamp deal for the Italian midfielder.

AC Milan have shown heavy interest in the Serbian this summer, as Massimiliano Allegri looks to bring the man he originally signed during their time in Turin together.

Manchester United were also in line to make a bid for Vlahovic, but the Red Devils opted to move in for Bejamin Sesko and have left the Rossoneri with a straight path at completing a move.