How Napoli could line up under Conte in 2024-25

Antonio Conte has given some insight as to how Napoli could line up ahead of the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, suggesting that the team’s system could switch between a 4-4-2 and their more recognisable 4-3-3 shape.

Conte spoke to the media at a press conference from the team’s pre-season training base in Dimaro on Saturday afternoon.

The former Italy, Juventus and Chelsea coach indicated that Napoli can alter their shape without fully switching their system, simply by applying more intensity out of possession.

He also suggested that with the signing of Alessandro Buongiorno from Torino, Napoli have the option to deploy both a back four and a three-man defence.

“We will work on a type of system that can be used both with a four and three-man defence. When balance is needed, we have to give certainties, but during the championship, we will have the possibility to switch it up by just applying pressure, without changing the system,” Conte told the press, reported via TMW.

“It can become a 4-4-2 and not just a 4-3-3. You can have a trequartista attacker or an extra midfielder. With 4-3-3, high pressure, a midfielder moves up near the attacker, as a trequartista or somebody like Raspa, he is the one who moves up near the striker in the press. We are approaching the transfer window with this idea in mind.”

Buongiorno brings Napoli even more versatility

Napoli officially confirmed the €35m signing of Alessandro Buongiorno from Torino on Saturday morning, a player who Conte believes will give Napoli an extra bit of versatility at the back.

“Buongiorno can play as a left-sided centre-back in a four, or as a central defender in a three. Let’s not forget about Olivera, who I also see as a left-winger as well as a full-back, plus Di Lorenzo.

“We will try to enhance the characteristics of all our players, so with the quality of Kvara, Politano, Lindstrom, Ngonge, they can also come inside and open somebody up.

“Tactically, the solution is clear. We have to be intense, I don’t want a passive team, I want one that likes to play the game.”

Napoli have five pre-season friendlies lined up before the return of domestic football in August. They will then face Hellas Verona away on August 18 for their first match of the 2024-25 Serie A campaign.

Click here to read more from Antonio Conte’s pre-season press conference