Why Napoli Can Surprise Europe in the Champions League

Despite being known mostly for having arguably the greatest footballer of all time in Diego Maradona, Napoli's history in Europe is rather obscure.

The Partenopei's only significant trophy in European competitions since they were founded in 1924 was a UEFA Cup victory in 1988. 

Since then, they endured more than a decade of anonymity until prominent film producer Aurelio De Laurentiis purchased the club in 2004 when they were in the vast wasteland known as the Serie C1, Italy's enormous third division. 

After only being two seasons away from bankruptcy, the newly-funded southern Italian side was promoted to Serie A and their fervent fanbase was given a reason to dream again. 

De Laurentiis, a polarizing but colorful character, has urged beautiful football since his takeover. Under former coach Walter Mazzarri, the club played a rapid counterattack style led by the Tre Tenori—Marek Hamsik, Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Two of those stars departed for more lavish offers, but Hamsik stayed behind and eventually became their captain, logging some of his best minutes ever this season. He's the backbone behind the entire team, the soul and leader in the starting 11 who sets an example through unparalleled professionalism and passion.

Over this past summer, owner Aurelio De Laurentiis had a financial war chest at his disposal after the lavish sale of Edinson Cavani to Paris St. Germain. With the funds received from the transfer, the vibrant owner gave newly appointed coach Rafa Benitez the reigns to the entire transfer window.

Benitez desperately wanted Real Madrid's Jose Callejon, who has impressed with excellent work rate and positioning since joining from Spain. Also, Gonzalo Higuain was the ideal replacement for Cavani, a striker with an impressive resume with both Real Madrid and the Argentine national team.

If anything, Higuain is a better fit for this particular style of play than Cavani is. El Pipita is more adept with the ball at his feet and excels on the counter. 

Despite the moves, the defense wasn't addressed the way it should have been, and the main question surrounding the club is how they'd perform against top-level European oppositions.

Napoli recently got their chance to show that they were the real deal in the Champions League, as they defeated last year's runner-up Borussia Dortmund 2-1 at the raucous San Paolo stadium.

This victory has fans believing that their team can do much more than just get out of the group stage. They're one great defender away from truly contending in Europe, and January might just be the time when De Laurentiis reaches into the bank vault once again.

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