Napoli: Conte goes 3-4-2-1, Neres and Lang in, Politano benched | OneFootball

Antonio Conte is preparing a profound and targeted technical shift, a true tactical overhaul that marks a return to the original 3-4-2-1 formation, but with a completely new face in the attacking midfield. The goal is clear: to increase offensive production, expand options in the final third, and provide Hojlund with continuous and structured support.

Napoli, Conte redesigns Napoli: Offensive 3-4-2-1, Neres and Lang behind Hojlund. Politano towards the bench

According to Corriere dello Sport, the coach chooses to field two pure wingers, Neres and Lang, foregoing Politano and focusing on players capable of systematically creating individual superiority. This decision sends a clear signal: the attack must regain unpredictability, rhythm, and depth.

“We need to win more duels and get more balls into the area”

Conte, in the pre-match technical meetings, reiterated this clearly: “I want those playing between the lines to take on their man, create situations, and consistently send Hojlund through on goal.”

One-on-ones, crosses, direct shots: these are the actions the coach deems essential to transform Napoli into a more aggressive and less predictable system. For this reason, he chooses two players who had so far felt on the fringes of the project.

The choice of wingers: Neres and Lang, the “forgotten” who now become central

The two offensive wingers, among the most dissatisfied in the early weeks of the season, suddenly become central in the new setup. Both were seeking minutes, space, and responsibility. Both had expressed doubts about the management of rotations.

Now Conte places them at the center of the project for a simple reason:

they are the only ones in the squad with pure winger characteristics;

they consistently beat their man;

they know how to refine and finish;

they guarantee deep runs to support the right-left chain in transition.

For Lang, it will be his second start in the league after Lecce. For Neres, it’s a return to a role that Conte wanted to reintroduce to increase the attack's weight.

Three-man defense: Beukema returns, a strong signal on hierarchy

The revolution starts from the back. In defense, Beukema returns, preferred over Juan Jesus and chosen in a lineup that will be completed by Rrahmani and Buongiorno.

The Dutch defender hadn’t started since the night in Eindhoven on October 21: he played just one minute against Inter and accumulated several consecutive benches. Conte’s decision indicates a clear change in internal hierarchies and a new defensive approach based on:

constant anticipation;

faster build-up;

greater solidity in central duels.

On the flanks, there will be Di Lorenzo on the right and Gutiérrez on the left, while the midfield will be entrusted to Lobotka and McTominay, to ensure balance and verticality.

Politano on the bench: a significant choice

The exclusion of Politano, the fourth most-used player in the squad with over a thousand minutes, represents one of the most significant decisions. His management has been among the most consistent of the season, with 14 starts out of 15.

However, Conte wants a more direct and dynamic attack, less dependent on lateral refinement and more oriented towards attacking the area. Hence the choice of two “disruptive” attacking midfielders, more vertical and less associative.

A more vertical and unpredictable Napoli: what advantages the new system offers

The structure with Neres and Lang behind Hojlund offers Napoli:

more solutions in the final third;

greater ability to isolate the wingers in individual duels;

doubling the lines of refinement to serve Hojlund;

the possibility of attacking with five men in the offensive phase;

a team quicker in overturning the play.

Conte focuses on talent and decides to do so without compromise: innovation in the attacking midfield, defensive continuity, absolute centrality of the striker. Not just a simple tactical change, but a structural choice.

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