Introduction
Luciano Spalletti's side started the season resolutely but has not been under the spotlight until their win 4-1 victory against last season's Champions League finalists, and their 2-1 win over the reigning Serie A champions. So far this campaign, they have been unbeaten domestically and in Europe. This article will analyze the reasons behind the Naples side's recent form.
Busy Summer
The club lost key figures that propelled the team last season to a third-place finish like Koulibaly and Fabian Ruiz. Cristiano Giuntoli, Napoli's Sporting Director, had the heavy task of maintaining the team's competitiveness to keep up with their rivals. With ambitions of lifting the Serie A title, the club cannot afford long transitional periods either.
Key Incomings and Outgoings - Napoli
(source: transfermarkt)
The early signs indicate that Giuntoli has delivered well with recruitment, considering the club earned a net positive sum from their transfers, and they have started the campaign well. However, the longevity of their form will be the basis of his judgment.
For now, without adjusting for Napoli's latest tactical system, comparing the recent signings with the players that have left and those who remain at the club will help us understand their degree of quality.
Tactical Insight
It is only Luciano Spalletti's second season in charge of Napoli. His first season was a success. Taking the club to a third-placed finish after two consecutive seasons of missing out on the UCL qualification spots.
Napoli has a younger squad this campaign. In 2021/22, the club had the fourth oldest team with an average squad age of 27.6. In 2022/23, this number dropped to 25.8, making them the eighth youngest squad in the Italian top-flight league.
The side from Naples prefers dominating the ball. Last season, they ranked highest in average possession (58.5%), and this season, they rank second (59.4%). Their defense was one of, if not the best domestically. They had the least xGA (expected goals conceded) at 31.2 and conceded the joint-least goals (31).
Although they lost Koulibaly to West London, they have reinforced the back line well by adding Min-Jae Kin. So far this year, they have only conceded six goals from nine domestic and European games.
As revealed by the possession stats, Napoli favors ball retention. They create most of their chances from open-play and a few from set-pieces. Domestically, they rank joint-second in chances created from open-play and first in chances created from set-pieces.
(source: whoscored)
Napoli plays a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3. The fullbacks push up into midfield, two midfielders screen the central defenders, the wingers position themselves in the wide and half-spaces, a creative midfielder is allowed to roam, and the striker often pins the opponents' defenders as well as dropping deep to help link up. Similar to the fundamental principles of the past seasons' tactics. However, Spalletti is open to making tweaks depending on the opposition.
Average Player Positions
(source: whoscored)
They are efficient with the ball. The team has created the second-highest chances in the league (xG of 13.7) and scored the most (15). They maintain high pressure on the opposition defense by keeping the ball in the attacking third. Napoli creates most chances from wing play and crosses. They average 20 crosses per game, and 72% of their goals have been scored inside the box (3rd highest). When attacking through central spaces, they play one-touch passes, aiming to play one-twos or make third-man runs. Such movements are hard to defend and can split opposition back lines.
Here are a few examples of the type of goals scored.
Rangers VS Napoli - Champions League
In this situation, the Napoli midfielder receives the ball in space and finds his teammate between the lines. The Rangers center-back is slow to follow the opposition attacker to deny him from receiving the ball. After receiving the pass, Raspadori plays a one-two with Olivera (#17) which leads to a chance that Raspadori converts.
Lazio VS Napoli - Serie A
Against Lazio, they score their goal from simple wing-play and third-man runs. In this instance, the midfielder receives the ball and spots a 2v1 on the right wing after Anguissa made an attacking run in the previous play. Politano (#21) plays a through ball to Anguissa (#99), who has found space in between the defenders. He finds Kvaratshkhelia (#77) making a run from outside the box, who finishes the chance capably.
Napoli's fullbacks do not push up high during the game, allowing them more cover if they lose the ball. The attackers and midfielders have been proficient to create numerous chances so far. The defensive structure has been successful too. Overall, the system seems to be working in every game. Napoli had a similar start to the 2021/22 campaign but lost a few unnecessary points that stopped them from a title charge.
Conclusion
Serie A is the most competitive it has been in the past years. Napoli was seven points behind AC Milan last season, and this gap can be closed. They have had a commanding start to the season, and Naples hopes they can continue this momentum throughout the campaign.
Luciano Spalletti will approach the season game-by-game so that the team does not get carried away by title hopes. The squad depth will be tested as matches come thick and fast. Although a bright start, circumstances can change instantly. That statement is not to undercast their achievement but rather a caution against any over-inflating optimism.
There is a small margin separating the big teams challenging for the championship that Napoli can take advantage of. Some clubs have improved this year and could pose a threat to the top four with the likes of Atalanta, Udinese, and Lazio looking dangerous.
Napoli has not won the Scudetto since the 1989/90 season, back when the late Diego Maradona represented them. In the past three seasons, three different teams have won the league title.
Is it Napoli's turn this year to make history? Time will tell.
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