Following Napoli`s 2-1 victory over Sporting, coach Antonio Conte had high praise for young talents Giuseppe Ambrosino and Antonio Vergara, remarking, “If you see them on the pitch, don`t call me crazy.” This article delves into who these players are and how they could be vital for the team.
Antonio Conte surprised many in the post-match press conference of the Champions League fixture between Napoli and Sporting Lisbon, enthusiastically declaring about Ambrosino and Vergara: “If you see them on the pitch, don`t call me crazy.” The coach, elated by the team`s first European points, expressed great confidence in the two youngsters, who have had limited playing time so far. He added that they “train well, are making significant progress, and could certainly find their space.”
“Made in Napoli” Talents
Both born in Naples in 2003, Ambrosino and Vergara share a similar journey and the common dream of securing more playing time with their hometown club. Giuseppe Ambrosino celebrated his 22 minutes on the pitch against Cagliari with a telling social media post: “Dreams come true.” This sentiment perfectly captures what it means for these two youth academy products to wear the Napoli shirt. They gained experience in lower divisions before joining the Italian champions for at least half a season. Antonio Conte included them in the pre-season training camps, and despite numerous transfers, Ambrosino and Vergara remained with the squad, available for league matches. They are central to Napoli`s future plans, with the club reportedly working on renewing both their contracts.
The Center-Forward: Giuseppe Ambrosino
Giuseppe Ambrosino made his senior debut against Cagliari, replacing Lorenzo Lucca, and immediately showcased his skill with a sharp dribble. He primarily plays as a center-forward but can also operate as a second striker. His football journey began in Procida, before daily commutes to Naples, leaving at 1:30 PM and returning after 10 PM. In 2013, he joined Napoli`s youth academy, and in the 2021-22 season, he was the top scorer in the Primavera 1 championship. After loan spells at Como (where he scored his first Serie B goal) and Cittadella for more playing time, and subsequently Catanzaro, his breakthrough came last season with Frosinone, making 36 appearances and scoring 5 goals. Antonio Conte expressed a strong desire for him to remain with the squad, and that`s precisely what happened.
The Versatile Player: Antonio Vergara
Antonio Vergara retained his spot in the Napoli squad at the start of this season, following impressive performances in pre-season training camps. He was instrumental in Romelu Lukaku`s goal against Sorrento with a key assist. Throughout the summer friendlies, he was consistently deployed in various roles, even filling in for established players. Vergara is a versatile “jolly” who could be crucial for Napoli`s attacking department, capable of playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or right-winger, and possesses excellent technical ability for set-pieces. Hailing from Frattaminore and developing his football skills in Frattamaggiore, like his more famous (for now) predecessor Lorenzo Insigne, Antonio Vergara joined Napoli`s youth academy at just 11 years old. Sharing his youth career path with Giuseppe Ambrosino, he was loaned to Pro Vercelli in Lega Pro for the 2022-23 season, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists. The following year, he moved to Serie B with Reggiana, where he spent two years. His first year was marred by a cruciate ligament injury, but his second season saw him make 32 appearances.
Valuable Peers
While Ambrosino and Vergara are the same age as Rasmus Hojlund, for whom the club spent 50 million just a month ago, their importance is paramount. In a period when Napoli is juggling multiple commitments and grappling with injuries, they could truly “lend a big hand,” a phrase often used by Antonio Conte. They are always ready for sacrifice, punctual in training, discreet yet ambitious. They are individuals first, who experienced football without the Serie C VAR, and are now quietly awaiting their chance in the footballing elite. In their case, the progression through youth teams, lower divisions, and the first team has worked perfectly, demonstrating that sometimes true innovation is simply a return to tradition.
