Napoli, Beukema: Conte like Italiano, back three changes little | OneFootball

Sam Beukema, a key player in Napoli's 3-1 victory against Atalanta, spoke to Rai's microphones during Il Sabato al 90°. The Dutch defender analyzed the performance of the Azzurri, focusing on Conte's formation, the team's current state, and the comparison with Vincenzo Italiano.

Napoli, Beukema: “Conte similar to Italiano. Defense with three? It changes little, let me explain…”

«Devastating first half: energy, intensity, and three goals»

Beukema highlighted the team's fierce approach in the first half:

«You're right, we put on a great performance, especially in the first half. The right intensity, the right energy, and three goals. In the second half, a bit less, but we didn't concede much. We're happy, now we have to continue like this and focus on the next one.»

Defense with three or four? «It doesn't change much»

The defender explained how the switch to a three-man line isn't a revolution for the group:

«Even when we played with four, at certain moments of the match we were still low with five. So it doesn't change much. We feel comfortable with three as well, and we've shown we can play this way. It's a strength of the group.»

On the alleged locker room issue: «We are united, we talked»

Beukema also responded to the rumors circulating in recent days about internal tensions after the game with Bologna:

«Of course we talked: all together, with the staff. There was a bit of energy missing after Bologna, we knew it and wanted to show it in this match. We are still very united and need to continue like this.»

The comparison with Italiano: «High pressure and direct play: I see similarities»

Finally, a tactical comparison that comes naturally to him:

«Yes, there are similarities between Conte and Italiano. Especially in the high pressure with precise references. Even in Bologna, we worked like this. And then we can be direct when needed, like in Bologna. For me, it's an advantage; I already knew some things.»

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.