Napoli’s steady improvement continued with a 0-0 draw against Juventus, as Antonio Conte expressed his moderate satisfaction with the result. Despite a goalless affair, Napoli looked the more dangerous side at times, creating clear chances while holding 65% possession. Conte’s tactical shift to a 4-3-3 formation, influenced by the arrival of Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, was a key talking point after the match.
Tactical Changes Sparked by Transfer Additions
Napoli’s summer signings played a significant role in Conte’s decision to adjust his tactics. McTominay, who made his first start for the club, and Gilmour, brought on later, prompted Conte to rethink the team’s formation. Speaking to DAZN after the game, Conte explained that with McTominay and Gilmour joining the midfield alongside the recalled Michael Folorunsho, he felt Napoli’s midfield depth could be better utilized in a 4-3-3 system. This adjustment was first tested in the previous match against Cagliari.
Conte acknowledged that while the 3-4-2-1 formation remains an option, he believed the 4-3-3 would allow Napoli to better control possession and exploit attacking channels. He admitted some initial concerns about the defensive stability of the formation but praised the team’s defensive performance against Juventus. “We did very well in terms of defending, though there’s room for improvement when we have possession,” Conte said.
Improvements Needed in Attack
While Napoli managed to hold Juventus at bay, Conte believes his side could have done better in creating clear-cut chances. Despite dominating possession and forcing saves from Juve’s goalkeeper through McTominay and Matteo Politano, Napoli’s attack struggled to convert their dominance into goals. Conte was particularly keen on seeing better use of one-on-one situations in the future, stating that while the defensive performance was solid, more could be done in the final third.
Romelu Lukaku, who has made a strong start to life at Napoli, had a quieter game and was eventually substituted along with the rest of the front line. Conte emphasized that Lukaku is still working towards peak physical condition and noted that the 4-3-3 system suits the current squad but requires more work to fully realize its potential in attack. “We had the clearest chances, but we didn’t take advantage,” Conte commented.
Injury Setback for Meret
One of the concerning moments for Napoli came early in the match when goalkeeper Alex Meret was forced off with a muscular injury. Elia Caprile replaced him for the remainder of the game. Conte did not provide specific details on Meret’s condition post-match, but the injury adds to his list of challenges as Napoli look to maintain their momentum in the coming fixtures.
