Napoli Seek Offensive Turnaround Following Scoring Dip | OneFootball

Napoli got off to a fast start offensively, but the goals have stopped coming following the Juventus clash. The Partenopei changed their tactic in that match, switching from 3-4-2-1 to 4-3-3. Paradoxically, their production has taken a hit even though the scheme is more aggressive on paper, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs (via Gonfia la Rete).

The Azzurri ranks sixth in overall goals, 18, 11 less than league-leading Atalanta, but also significantly worse than Inter and Lazio. They have hit the net just four times in the last four matches since the last international break.

Stanislav Lobotka missing time due to injury jammed up their build-up, but their problems go beyond that. Napoli had worked at length on their previous formation during their two pre-season retreats. They had to go back to the drawing board following the U-turn and some later arrivals. The mechanisms still need time to be fine-tuned.

The Partenopei hit the net nine times in the first four matches and an equal amount in the ensuing seven with 4-3-3. The goal average dropped from 2.25 to 1.29. They went from 5.25 shots on goal per game to 3.57. Crosses have gone way down, from 14 to 7.86, and the same goes for vertical passes.

Romelu Lukaku joined late and is still working to find peak conditioning. Antonio Conte also expects more goals for his two other star newcomers, Scott McTominay and David Neres.

Our Take on Napoli

They had to find a way to make the ex-Manchester United man a starter given the size of the investment. There was no downside after not signing another top defender. They need to turn up the heat posture-wise, as they have been coy even against the minnows lately.