Unexpectedly at the top of Serie A.
Naples has a unique offensive organization
The southerners became weaker when they defeated the duo Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia. Viktor and Khvicha should have been released much earlier. But since the owner of the club, De Laurentiis, is an old wolf, he does not teach new ways. He drags out negotiations with the Nigerian and sends Victor on loan to Turkey. He delayed negotiations with the Georgian, thereby ruining Khvich’s career. Kvaratskhelia found himself in the French Championship, where the most talented local players do not want to play for a long time.
In Bergamo, Atalanta, which did not lose its leaders Lukman and De Ketelare, and also recruited the right central striker Retegui, looked generally better than Naples. Nothing surprising. Gasperini has worked at the club for many years. The Europa League victory added confidence to them. And Naples, without Conte, after the departure of the champion Spalletti, was overall in tenth place in Serie A. Already with Antonio, Atalanta beat them 0:3 away.
But a little time passed – Conte took revenge. This coach has character. He also figured out how to compensate for Napoli’s obvious weaknesses. Even the team’s most experienced players, like captain Di Lorenzo, are not as fit as in the championship season with Spalletti. But Naples wants to be in the leading group and impose the fight on favorite Inter. This requires everyone to become a deadly weapon.
Conte has succeeded. If we do not take into account clubs with Bayern’s skills, there are few teams in Europe where players from different positions are as dangerous in attack. In Bergamo, Napoli had only three shots on target. All attempts were made. The experienced Lukaku scored after his first well-aimed shot. The Belgian was waiting for Angissa’s cross from the left flank, and the young defender Scalvini slipped unsuccessfully into the fight with the more experienced giant. Lukaku has scored 8 goals and made 6 assists in Serie A. The striker loves coach Conte and often improves with him. The new leader McTominay has also pleased the wonderful crowd. Scott can score for the national team and has now added goals for the club. The midfielder really likes Napoli because he sees incredible support from the fans. I filmed Napoli’s meeting in Bergamo from the bus window. I appreciated that people travel 800 kilometres for an important match.
Apart from Lukaku and McTominay, former players
Манчестер Юнайтед former Fulham footballer Anguissa played. The Cameroonian prop has been given his freedom under Conte. Moves on the left flank, scores and provides assists. Right-back Di Lorenzo has also scored goals, although he made a mistake yesterday in the fight with Lookman. Politano can score more often when he is fit. And the technical Neres now replaces Kvaratskhelia.Conte continues to look for an optimal defense
Naples has 6 wins in a row. Difficult successes came after two defeats against Lazio, another team which dreams of a place in the Champions League. The Eagles fell behind in first place, but Conte was in his usual position. Antonio realizes that he has taken over the team in crisis. Thanks to clear guidelines, the combat team received. Naples doesn’t always play like a champion. They have gained confidence on offense, but there are problems on defense.
With Koulibaly and Kim in the center of defense, it was calmer. The goalkeeper came into the game less often. Yesterday, Meret scored an incredibly difficult spot-kick to ensure Napoli retained the chance for a decisive third counter-attack. Atalanta player Zaniolo helped. The scandalous attacking midfielder carelessly threw the ball near the opponent’s goal. A strange action allowed Naples to deploy a flank attack, classic since the days of Mazzarri and Sarri. The wings worked.
Besides the experienced Di Lorenzo and Spinazzola, there is also the Uruguayan Olivera. The full-backs have to defend because Conte does not play with three central defenders as in the past. Much depends on how well Lobotka works in the support zone. McTominay and Anguissa live further up. And the team needs to improve its defense. Rahmani of the Kosovo national team is having a decent season. Give clues to teammates, enter the fight and take the right position.
But his partners attack every other time. A month ago, young central defender Buongiorno fell on his back during training. Precious newcomer Sandro will return to class tomorrow, although initially they feared he had seriously damaged his vertebrae. The Brazilian Joao, who replaces him, works very well with the ball: he is the neatest of the team. But it is difficult for the 33-year-old full-back to keep pace with his agile Serie A rivals. The defender has made mistakes before.
Therapist Antonio is ready to surprise the favorites again
It is clear that the midfielders, McTominay and Anguissa, enjoy offensive freedom. They make Naples more dangerous. And they open up areas when the Scot moves towards the goal-striking positions and the Cameroonian moves away from the left edge. Yesterday Atalanta had a lot of shots and attacks. And at the same time, they were lucky with the goals. Retegui and Lookman played the ball perfectly. The Nigerian was lucky, Africa’s best player was helped by ricochets before the goal.
But Conte’s goals against Napoli show the team’s stage of development. The team was formed. The coach released Kvaratskhelia, who wanted to play for a Champions League club. We must now rely on new leaders. And remember Lukaku’s age, because Romelu is almost 32. The transfers of Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen will bring money to Napoli. We must spend them wisely. Conte will receive funds to strengthen his squad. Especially if he suddenly wins the Scudetto.
For now, Inter remains the clear favorite. If the champions meet, then after the 21st matchweek of Serie A there will be two leaders, each with 50 points. And Napoli are an underdog here. They don’t play in unison like Atalanta. But they are growing. In the first round they lost at home to Gasperini 0:3 and in the second they won 2:3. Progress recorded. Conte’s approach works again. The coach knows how to get teams out of depression, which he demonstrated at Juventus and Chelsea.
Napoli players
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