Napoli to follow Fiorentina model
Tuesday 7 September, 2004

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Napoli have officially been placed into Serie C1 and Como thrown out of the
division, while Serie B introduces a play-off system.


Today’s FIGC meeting confirmed several important developments that had arisen
over the last few days. The Lega’s proposal of introducing a play-off and
play-out system to decide promotion and relegation has been implemented from the
2004-05 campaign.


Perhaps the most important decision was registering Napoli Soccer for Serie C1,
ending a legal battle that had stretched on since July. Former patron Luciano
Gaucci has confirmed he will not try to win back the club, but he will sue the
FIGC for damages.


“This is the start of a new era,” smiled President Aurelio De Laurentiis. “I
hope that the fans can have the patience and respect for this side, as it
belongs to all of them. Now we need to have facts and action, as all this
confusion serves nobody.”


Movie mogul De Laurentiis aims to start again from Serie C1 with a side free
from debt and has some ambitious footsteps to follow.


“The example I am following is that of Fiorentina chief Diego Della Valle,” he
revealed. “Now we must put together capable staff and I wouldn’t rule out
Udinese’s Pier Paolo Marino.”


Della Valle proved just what this drop down the divisions means by taking on the
new Fiorentina from Serie C2 and in just two seasons earning promotion to the
top flight.


Napoli will have until September 23 to sign out of contract players and register
them for the new season, so their first two Serie C1 games will be postponed.


Meanwhile, Como have been excluded from the professional football divisions
after the TAR overturned a previous appeal victory from CONI arbitration.
Fidelis Andria have instead been promoted to C1, pushing Pro Vasto up into Serie
C2.