Napoli, the most crucial week begins: Conte returns to the city, now… | OneFootball

The week ahead for Antonio Conte represents one of the most delicate moments of his tenure. The coach is about to return after his harsh outburst following the match in Bologna, but he will do so finding a squad reduced to the bare bones.

Napoli, the most delicate week begins. Conte returns to the city, now…

Between key injuries, players still engaged with their national teams, and returns scheduled just before the next league match, Conte will have to rebuild a team practically from scratch.

A decimated squad and a midfield to reinvent

The main issue concerns the midfield. The absence of Anguissa weighs heavily, and the possible absence of Gilmour creates a technical and tactical void that is difficult to manage. The structure of the central unit needs to be completely rethought, and the coach will find himself having to come up with alternative solutions in a very short time.

The player who could change the balance is Elmas. Placed alongside Lobotka and McTominay, the Macedonian is considered the key element to provide dynamism and coverage. But, as Conte explains to his staff, the most complex variable remains the real condition of the players returning from international duty.

“We will evaluate each individual return. We cannot afford any missteps,” is the concept reportedly expressed by the staff.

Internationals, travel, and energy at the limit

To understand the extent of the emergency, just look at the situation of the individuals:

Hojlund is dealing with a fever and has to face a decisive match with Scotland.

Di Lorenzo and Politano are being called to extra duty with Italy in a high-intensity match.

Elmas will be playing for qualification to the playoffs against Wales.

Rrahmani will be involved in Kosovo-Switzerland, a crucial match for his country.

Lobotka will take the field with Slovakia against Germany.

In practice, Conte will only really be able to start working on tactics between Wednesday and Thursday. Considering the match has been moved up to Saturday, the operational window drops to just two effective training sessions: an extremely short time to prepare for such a complex match.

A high-tension clash against the new Atalanta

As if that weren’t enough, Napoli will face an Atalanta in full search of redemption, transformed under Palladino’s leadership and just as much in need of points. On both sides, the margin for error is practically zero.

“We cannot afford any distractions,” Conte is said to have reiterated in the locker room before the break.

This is a clash that goes beyond the simple standings: it is a test of identity for two teams under pressure and for two coaches who must restore order in complex situations.

The risk of a crisis is just around the corner

So far, the environment has avoided direct friction and Conte himself has maintained a controlled profile, despite signs of impatience emerging in recent weeks. The next match, however, could represent a watershed moment: either the team will show it has overcome the critical phase, or the technical and psychological crisis will become evident.

On Sunday, we will know whether the storm has been weathered or if Napoli will officially enter the red zone.

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