The early signs suggest Antonio Conte can right the wrongs that plagued Napoli in a nightmare title defence, but Stephen Kasiewicz suggests the Italian tactician must face several challenges at the Stadio Maradona.
From earnest pledges to improve, notoriously intense training sessions and promises of a flexible playing strategy, the former Inter, Juventus and Italy coach has already made a forceful first impression. While pre-season rarely gives any real indication about what to expect in a new campaign, it is clear the 54-year-old will not settle for mediocrity.
The Conte era signals a new chapter for Napoli after the bedlam of a lamentable term in which they finished in 10th position – a whopping 41 points adrift of champions Inter. Yet there remain a considerable number of challenges to overcome as the Neapolitan club seek to become title contenders again.
Questions remain about the compatibility of President Aurelio De Laurentiis and Conte.
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On the surface it appears a combustible combination. Neither could ever be described as shy and retiring. There is the temptation to envisage meetings between the pair sparking more fireworks than most July 4 celebrations and how they coexist will be crucial to Napoli’s aspirations this season.
Calm has prevailed so far, but it is worth remembering that De Laurentiis went through three coaches as the Partenopei plummeted down the standings and out of European contention. Rudi Garcia, Walter Mazzarri and Francesco Calzona all had spells in the Napoli hot seat as a porous defence conceded 48 goals.
Conte will not tolerate the same kind of rearguard capitulation again. It is no small task to construct a brand-new backline.
Yet, with freshly appointed sporting director Giovanni Manna leading player negotiations, De Laurentiis made good on his intention to spend time with a trio of new additions. Italian international centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno, Real Madrid-owned central defender Rafa Marin and wing-back Leonardo Spinazzola all joined in an impressive recruitment drive.
The capture of highly sought after Buongiorno – one of the best centre-backs in Serie A over the last couple of campaigns – also demonstrated the Conte effect in attracting the absolute best to the Campania capital.
Euro 2020 winner Spinazzola will be keen to re-establish himself after an injury-marred couple of seasons, while Marin gained plaudits in a successful loan spell at Alaves in La Liga last term.
In the daily game of deal or no deal hundreds of names have been mentioned as possible Partenopei acquisitions. Empty speculation aside, Napoli require at least one more defensive addition with more players set to leave before the season kicks-off next month.
Although top scorer Victor Osimhen has participated in Conte’s gruelling Dimaro training sessions, the Scudetto-winning striker is still expected to leave Italy this summer.
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How the Lecce-born tactician reshapes the attack will also determine just how far Napoli can advance up the standings in the new campaign.
The prospect of the experienced Romelu Lukaku replacing masked superstar Osimhen is hardly likely to prompt street parties among the Napoli tifosi.
Nevertheless, the ex-Inter and Roma attacker has a proven track record in the Italian top flight and enjoys a special bond with Conte. There are certainly worse options around, despite the understandable reservations about Lukaku’s potential transfer from Chelsea.
Versatile forwards Giacomo Raspadori and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could both be given more prominent central roles in an attacking formation.
The coach known for his 3-5-2 configuration must also restore the self-esteem of a core group which faltered so badly last season.
How he rejuvenates the career of influential captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo – who admitted he pondered leaving before underlining his commitment to the club in a heartfelt open letter – after a nightmarish year will be crucial to squad morale.
Defender Amir Rrahmani and midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who were both instrumental in Napoli’s historic third championship success, lost their mojos as the Partenopei fell away last term.
Conte must work his motivational magic to make the stalwart duo productive performers again.
The integration of returning loanees Elia Caprile (Empoli), Michael Folorunsho (Hellas Verona) and Gianluca Gaetano (Cagliari) into an already talented player pool should also provide valuable competition for places. The trio had already impressed Conte with exhausting training workouts, which led to some members of the squad collapsing.
Although there will inevitably be more departures and arrivals before the new season begins Conte has already set the tone for what lies ahead. There will be no room for passengers as the coach attempts to consign the ignominy of last season to distant memory quickly.
@SKasiewicz