Napoli in injury emergency, but Conte could turn crisis into opportunity. New module and key role for a major worry of his: will it be the turning point?
Napoli, di necessità virtù: Conte ha la chiave per cambiare tutto (Foto: Ansa) – serieanews.com
Sometimes fate can be cruel. Other times, however, it seems to send signals. And perhaps that is exactly what is happening to Antonio Conte’s Napoli, which finds itself in the midst of an injury emergency.
First Buongiorno, then Olivera, then Spinazzola and, as if that were not enough, even David Neres out for at least a month, an event that exacerbates market regrets. Always the same area of the field to be affected: defensive and offensive left wing, almost as if fate wanted to point out the mistakes on the market to the club and show a different path to the coach.
An important knot to untie concerns who is to take Neres’ place. Newcomer Okafor does not yet seem to be in condition, while Ngonge has not fully won Conte’s trust. That is why focusing on a more compact structure and giving confidence to those who can really make a difference, such as Raspadori, could be the winning move.
It is known that every crisis brings with it an opportunity. And Conte, someone who has always had a way with emergencies, may have a solution in mind. It might be time for that tactical change that would solve two problems at once: giving balance to the team and finally finding the right space for Giacomo Raspadori.
Napoli, Conte riflette: difesa a tre e nuova vita per Raspadori
The clues are all there. In defense, with Buongiorno’s return, the option of switching to three becomes more than a suggestion. Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani and Buongiorno would form a solid central line, while on the flanks the solutions seem ready.
Mazzocchi, who has suffered a lot as a pure fullback, seems much more comfortable as a fifth of midfield, with the ability to push more without worrying too much about coverage. On the right, Politano is turning more and more into an old-fashioned fluidizer, capable of pacing up and down the flank relentlessly.
Napoli, Conte riflette: difesa a tre e nuova vita per Raspadori (LaPresse) – serieanews.com
And up front? This is where Raspadori, one of the great enigmas of this season, comes in. Conte often talks about him in press conferences, praises him, recognizes his talent. Yet he is rarely seen on the field, because in the current module he struggles to find an ideal tactical placement, so much so that he has often been at risk of being dropped. But with the 3-5-2, things would change.
Next to Lukaku, Raspadori could finally express himself as a second forward, the role that suits him best. Movement between the lines, insertions, technical quality: everything that makes him special would be enhanced in this new arrangement.
Alternatively, Conte could opt for a 3-4-2-1, with McTominay closer to Raspadori and Lukaku, as already seen in some clips earlier in the year. A solution that would provide more coverage in midfield and more dynamism in the offensive phase.
Perhaps it is no accident that injuries have hit so hard right now. Maybe it is a signal, a push to change, to take that extra step. Conte has the key to turn this emergency into an opportunity, as he has done so many times before in his career.
And who knows, maybe this very tactical variation could be the turning point not only for Napoli, but also for Raspadori, instead of selling him out to the first guy who comes along. From a young talent looking for space to a decisive man, ready to finally take the stage.
This article Napoli, of necessity virtue: Conte has the key to change everything appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
