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Since taking over at Napoli, Antonio Conte has ignited hopes that the Partenopei might be unexpected contenders for the Serie A title. With a fast-paced start to the season and a solid foundation defensively, Napoli under Conte have shown glimpses of the form that could disrupt Italy’s traditional title challengers and upset those making a football bet.
The Italian league has seen massive improvements in recent years. With five different champions in the last five years, Napoli finally ended their long wait for the Scudetto in 2023, but with both Milan sides, as well as Juventus, looking to win back their titles, the race for supremacy in Serie A looks to be an interesting one.
With Conte’s side top of the table after their first 10 games, only five points separate them from the likes of Juve, Fiorentina, and Lazio, meaning six teams all have an outside shot at winning the league.
Though they face several challenges, including finding consistent goal-scoring options, Conte’s influence has transformed a once-struggling Napoli into a potential dark horse for Serie A.
The Italian’s name commands respect in the country’s top league. Known for his tactical rigor, Conte has an impressive track record in Serie A, where he previously lifted the Scudetto with Juventus and ended Inter Milan’s title drought in 2020.
His intense approach, discipline, and demand for total commitment have turned teams into resilient title winners, not just in Italy, but during his tenure in England, where he won the Premier League with Chelsea.
Conte’s experience and his passion for meticulous organisation have proven to bring out the best in his squads, and his arrival in Naples brings high expectations, especially after last season’s disappointing title defence.
Indeed, last season was difficult for Napoli, finishing a staggering 41 points behind champions Inter Milan—the worst title defence in Serie A history.
A turbulent summer followed, with key players, including Victor Osimhen, seeking moves away. Conte’s arrival has since steadied the ship, injecting a renewed sense of purpose, despite eventually losing Osimhen – the Nigerian joining Galatasaray on loan and being replaced by Romelu Lukaku.
Gli Azzurri have rallied under Conte’s leadership, now holding a top spot in the league standings. The 55-year-old’s ability to transform the side in such a short time has made Napoli a cohesive force again, even as they adjust to new roles and formations.
Conte’s switch from a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-3-3 has brought more stability to the side, tightening up at the back while building from a strong midfield led Scott McTominay, who joined from Manchester United over the summer.
The midfielder is enjoying a baptism of fire in Naples, and has quickly endeared himself to Napoli fans, earning the nickname “McTotally” for his relentless commitment and tireless energy, which have been instrumental in Conte’s system.
If the club can look past their recent goal drought – which will be decisive in key upcoming matches against Roma and Lazio after the international break, they have a very good chance of challenging for the title following the new year.
Though Napoli face stiff competition from clubs like Inter and Juve, Conte’s influence and tactical approach could make them real contenders against his old clubs, if they can overcome these growing pains.
Napoli’s dream of winning the Scudetto may be within reach against the odds, but the next few weeks will really test their mettle and go a long way to deciding who wins Serie A come next May.
