<
>
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Get ESPN+

How Gonzalo Higuain has elevated Juventus ... and marginalized Napoli

A year ago Juventus and Napoli were the two best teams in Serie A. This wasn't a surprise for Juventus. Coming off a Champions League final there was little doubt that the team with the most money, talent and power in the league would again dominate. Napoli were more surprising. New manager Maurizio Sarri turned a talented team with holes into a tight, tactical, efficient machine largely using the same personnel as his predecessor Rafa Benitez. A season later, as these two teams prepare to face off on Saturday, one specific thing has changed. Last year, Gonzalo Higuain was the centerpiece of Napoli's attack. A season, and €90 million later, he's spearheading Juventus's attack. The change has impacted both sides.