Article by Luca Gavidia
Under the guidance of Antonio Conte, Napoli has found a new playing identity, characterized by a well-defined tactical structure and a system that enhances the physical and technical attributes of its players. The Salento-born coach has managed to transform an already competitive team into a cohesive and winning collective, where every player knows exactly what to do at every moment of the match. Defensive solidity and offensive effectiveness are the cornerstones upon which Napoli’s game is built.
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Index
A Game of Physical Strength and Organization
Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay is one of the key figures in Conte’s system, thanks to his physical strength and ability to attack spaces. McTominay is a fundamental asset, particularly in the attacking phase, where he can use his power to break through the opponent’s defensive line. In a system that prioritizes organization, the midfielder plays a central role but is also capable of adapting to various situations, seamlessly shifting between different tasks assigned by the coach.
Alongside McTominay, Romelu Lukaku is the ultimate attacking reference. The Belgian striker, in his role as the focal point, is not only tasked with attacking the depth but also serves as an excellent target for the team, receiving the ball with his back to goal and initiating direct attacking plays. Compared to his role at Inter, where the forwards often supported each other, Conte’s Napoli operates differently: while the wingers are not always inclined to attack spaces as they did before, it is McTominay and Anguissa who take on the responsibility of unlocking defenses with their forward runs.
Anguissa complements McTominay perfectly and, this year, under Antonio Conte’s guidance, he is becoming a complete midfielder. His runs into the box, overlaps, and physical presence in the penalty area make the Cameroonian a shadow striker in the offensive phase. He currently leads Serie A in aerial duels won, showcasing his dominance in the air.
From Kvara to Neres: The New Face of Napoli’s Attack
The Brazilian winger, who has replaced Kvara as a starter, has immediately demonstrated his versatility and ability to adapt perfectly to Antonio Conte’s tactical demands. Neres plays very wide on the left flank, a role that allows him to make full use of his dribbling skills and one-on-one ability. His capacity to create numerical superiority has become a key asset, making him one of the most dangerous players in the attacking unit.
His cutback crosses—low passes aimed not just at the striker but also at midfielders or full-backs making runs into the box—are one of the most effective aspects of his game. Thanks to his preference for playing on his natural left foot, Neres is a constant threat on the wing, delivering decisive crosses and contributing to goal-scoring opportunities. In this new role, Neres is becoming a crucial element in Conte’s system, posing a persistent challenge for opposing defenses.
Tactical Flexibility and Build-Up Play
Napoli’s build-up play is one of the defining features of Conte’s team. The squad starts with a back four, with two midfielders shielding the defensive line, while Lukaku and McTominay position themselves ahead of the opponent’s defense. However, this structure is dynamic: Napoli can easily shift into a 3-5-2, with Lobotka dropping deep to form a three-man defensive line, allowing the full-backs to push forward.
Space occupation is always well-defined, with players moving to facilitate fluidity in play. This is particularly evident on the flanks, where coordination between full-backs and wingers is key, but also in midfield, where exchanges between Anguissa and McTominay vary depending on the game’s needs.
Playing Principles: Triggers and Depth Exploration
One of Napoli’s fundamental aspects under Conte is the establishment of a clear playing identity, enabling players to operate with speed and fluidity. Every movement is preceded by “triggers,” signals that allow the team to execute playing principles consistently. This approach enables Napoli to develop play efficiently both offensively and defensively.
In the build-up phase, one of the key concepts is searching for the “inside pass,” a decisive play that can open a central corridor leading to goal-scoring chances. However, Napoli’s attacking play is not limited to direct solutions: through rotations and positional interchanges, the team seeks to create opportunities with a mix of direct and intricate moves, often involving a third-man play.
Depth exploration is another crucial principle, with forwards, midfielders, and wingers moving in ways that compress the opponent’s defense and create space for switching play.
Maximizing Physical Presence in the Box
Napoli’s play is designed to make the most of the physical presence of players like Lukaku, McTominay, and Anguissa, who become key figures in occupying the penalty area. Crosses are one of the main attacking solutions, with Napoli creating conditions to deliver them through deep runs from the flanks or overlaps between full-backs and wingers. The flank partnerships are well-coordinated: on the right, Politano and Di Lorenzo work together to overlap and generate dangerous situations, while on the left, the aim is to free Kvara for one-on-one duels or, more recently, Neres for attacking the defensive line.
Defensive Phase and Low Block
When Napoli loses possession, the team applies pressure in the opponent’s final third, ensuring they are never numerically inferior. Against teams defending with a back four, Napoli’s players position themselves to cover passing lanes and disrupt the build-up. Against three-man defenses, the full-backs adjust their positioning to form a solid line with the center-backs, creating a compact defensive structure.
In a low-block setup, only Lukaku is allowed to remain ahead of the ball, while the wingers drop back in line with the midfielders, with Politano often positioning himself alongside the defenders. When the ball moves to one side, the team becomes aggressive, looking to intercept and launch a quick offensive transition.
Fast Transitions and Verticality
Napoli’s defensive phase is based on direct marking, with each player focused on their designated opponent. Once possession is regained, the team immediately aims for a transition, seeking quick vertical passes to exploit Lukaku’s strength in one-on-one duels with defenders. Playing the ball into the defense becomes a lethal weapon for Napoli, enabling them to counterattack swiftly and catch opponents off guard with sharp, decisive moves.
Antonio Conte’s Napoli: A Solid and Growing Project
Antonio Conte’s Napoli stands out for the clear playing identity that the coach has instilled in the team. Every player is fully aware of their role, allowing the squad to maximize its potential. Defensive solidity, rapid ball movement, and imposing physical presence in attack are the defining traits of Napoli’s style, contributing to Conte’s success on the bench.
In my opinion, Antonio Conte is extracting the best from a squad that, while competitive, is still working towards growth and consolidation at the top of Italian football. The team’s path is clear: building a strong foundation to compete with the best. It is essential to remember where Napoli started and, above all, that reaching the top requires constant and structured development.
Napoli is undoubtedly a competitive team, but it is also evident that some players need time to mature and gain experience. In this regard, Conte is doing an exceptional job: thanks to his experience and methodology, he has laid the groundwork for a project that will keep the team fighting for top positions until the end of the season.
The ability to know what to do, organize effectively, and dedicate time and attention to every player and department is what allows Napoli to perform at its best. Every function is clear and well-defined, giving the team a solid structure to rely on. Conte has instilled confidence within the club, and he is undoubtedly the right man for Napoli at this moment. His work is crucial for the team’s future, which seems destined to be a major contender moving forward.
By Luca Gavidia
