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August 19, 2024

Lessons from Antonio Conte’s First Serie A Match as Napoli’s Manager – Ligue 1

Napoli’s staggering 3-0 defeat to Hellas Verona in their opening Serie A match of the 2024-25 season sheds light on the challenges that lie ahead for Antonio Conte in his quest to transform the Partenopei. Here are three critical takeaways from Conte’s league debut with Napoli:

Defensive Struggles

Napoli’s defense struggled to stop Verona’s attacks, leading to three conceded goals. Conte must address these defensive issues quickly to help Napoli compete at a higher level.

Attacking Inefficiencies

Despite having skilled attackers, Napoli needed help creating good scoring chances. Conte must improve the team’s attacking strategies and teamwork to maximize their offensive potential.

Adapting to Conte’s Tactics

Players take time to adjust to a new coach’s tactics. Conte’s style is strict and disciplined, so Napoli may need more time to get used to it. As the season continues, expect the team to become more comfortable with Conte’s approach and perform better on the field.

In short, Conte’s first league match with Napoli showed areas that need work. By focusing on defense and attacking strategies and adapting to Conte’s tactics, Napoli can start their journey to becoming a strong Serie A competitor once again.

Player Performances: Highlights of standout performances and areas for improvement

The current situation at Napoli is a testament to the club’s shortcomings in the transfer market, as acknowledged by manager Antonio Conte himself. Despite making a few sensible signings, such as Alessandro Buongiorno and Leonardo Spinazzola, the team still needs more depth to compete at the highest level. The failure to replace Piotr Zielinski and Jens Cajuste in midfield is a glaring issue, and the inability to offload Victor Osimhen has become a significant obstacle in funding further acquisitions.

Napoli’s reliance on Osimhen’s sale highlights the club’s financial constraints and the need to generate funds to reinforce the squad. Napoli’s transfer plans have been thrown into disarray, with the Nigerian striker’s future in limbo and potential suitors dwindling. It is now more crucial than ever for the club to find a solution to the Osimhen problem, as the proceeds from his sale could be vital in addressing the team’s deficiencies and ensuring a successful season ahead.

There has been little change so far

Expanding on the previous point, the limited impact of Antonio Conte’s three signings was evident in Napoli’s 3-0 defeat to Verona, with only Leonardo Spinazzola participating. This result highlights the team’s struggle to integrate new talent. It raises concerns about their ability to adapt under Conte’s leadership.

With just three personnel changes compared to last season’s final game – two of which involved existing players – it is clear that continuity has been a focus amidst the coaching transition. However, maintaining a similar squad composition may not be optimal for a team that finished a disappointing 10th place, particularly given their championship triumph the previous year.

While granting Conte time to solidify his squad and implement his vision is reasonable, Napoli must make strides toward meaningful change to improve their standing in the league. The team must adapt quickly, embracing new strategies and fostering a cohesive unit that can capitalize on its players’ individual talents. As the season unfolds, Napoli’s ability to evolve and address its shortcomings will prove vital in determining its success on the pitch.

No Kvaratskhelia, no party

The absence of Victor Osimhen has shifted the spotlight to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as Napoli’s primary attacking threat. In the match against Verona, the Georgian showcased his dynamic abilities, significantly impacting the left flank and consistently creating opportunities. His powerful effort before halftime nearly turned the tide in Napoli’s favor but was denied by Lorenzo Montipo.

However, a concerning incident occurred shortly after, as Kvaratskhelia appeared disoriented and dizzy following a seemingly innocuous collision with Pawel Dawidowicz. This led to his premature departure from the game and a noticeable decline in Napoli’s attacking prowess.

The potential arrival of David Neres could provide some balance to Conte’s front three in the coming weeks. However, in the short term, Kvaratskhelia’s absence may prove challenging for Napoli’s offensive strategy. As the team evaluates the extent of his injury and the necessary recovery time, they must find ways to adapt and maintain their attacking momentum in the upcoming fixtures.

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