After finishing a staggering 39 points behind the title-winning Inter Milan, SSC Napoli officially entered the record books with one of the worst title defences in Serie A history.
Their long wait for the Scudetto was followed by a staggering decline within the space of only 12 months, having failed to qualify for European football for the first time in over a decade.
Their golden opportunity to maintain winning momentum and build upon a triumphant return to the top step fell at the first hurdle, with the club unable to properly replace key figures both on and off the pitch.
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has borne some of the onus, having begun to alienate the adored Luciano Spalletti before hiring the uninspiring Rudi Garcia as his replacement.
However, Napoli’s latest acquisition appears to signify a much-needed change in approach and a rebuilding of the club after such a dismal display.
Antonio Conte will be the man tasked with guiding Napoli back to success.
He has an incredible history of swiftly rejuvenating elite teams.
After achieving Scudetto triumphs with both Inter Milan and Juventus, the Partenopei will be incredibly intrigued by how Conte can rescue a fragile Napoli team and revitalise its key talents.
Off the pitch, the relationship between two of Italy’s most fiery footballing personalities will certainly garner headlines throughout the season, with Conte showing throughout his tenure at Tottenham that he is willing to condemn key club figures where he sees fit.
This tactical analysis will highlight Conte’s key philosophies, identifying which tactics we could expect to see when attempting to swiftly morph this Napoli squad into a traditional Conte team.
Our analysis will also identify some key players we think would be great additions in the summer window. Conte anticipates key players departures and aims to sign those who match his unique profiles.
Antonio Conte Preferred Formation
Throughout his managerial career, we have seen an evolution in Conte’s tactical approach based upon the squad which he inherits, modifying the tactical setup to accommodate his most talented player profiles.
However, his overarching theme and preferred system would have to be utilising the three-man defence to utilise energetic wing-backs.
The system that has made him so successful across Europe has multiple variations, including the 3-1-4-2 with Italy and Juventus and the 3-5-2 when returning to Serie A with Inter.
However, with Napoli’s current squad, it would be wise to suggest that Conte would probably continue with the 3-4-3/3-4-2-1, which saw him dominate the Premier League with Chelsea.
Whilst murmurings of a potential four-man defensive system have been discussed during Conte’s time away from elite football, it would be sensible to suggest that Napoli’s new head coach would prefer not to compromise and instil his desired three-at-the-back formation throughout pre-season.
Conte’s build-up play relies on the comfortability of the three central defenders in possession, with his wing-backs often remaining as wide as possible to stretch the pitch.
Opposition pressors initially aim to deny passing outlets towards the wings, which creates space for the wide central defenders to penetrate space in the inside channels, whether it be with progressive carries or looking to break the lines with varied passing.
A key element of Conte’s 3-4-2-1 would be the diamonds which form in possession of the ball.
With the wide central defender at the base of the diamond, the wing-back and central midfielders can offer clear passing outlets towards the inside or the outside of the pitch, with the inside forward dropping deeper to become the next point of progression.
Having struggled in his debut season in Italian football, left-sided central defender Natan stands out as a player who can continue to evolve under Antonio Conte.
He has completed 1.67 progressive carries per 90 in the Serie A, representing a worthy ball progressor with additional defensive support as part of a three.
