Napoli in Eindhoven: Conte seeks answers to end away-day woes | OneFootball

Antonio Conte’s Napoli is set to travel to Eindhoven to face PSV in a crucial Champions League match, a pivotal moment for the team’s European ambitions and psychological future. After recent disappointments in the league and with the upcoming clash against Inter looming, the Azzurri coach is looking for an immediate reaction.

Napoli in Eindhoven for the Champions League test: Conte studies new solutions and aims to reclaim an away victory

The day is dominated by a question that affects the lineup: Will Scott McTominay play or not? The Scottish midfielder, coming off a physical issue, remains doubtful until the last moment. “The decision is up to the player,” Conte is said to have explained, aware of the technical and mental weight of his key man. The absence of McTominay, combined with the already certain absence of Rasmus Hojlund, could force the coach to change formation.

Conte considers a return to the 4-3-3: Lang ready to face his former club

Conte is reportedly thinking of temporarily abandoning the four-man midfield to return to the more tried-and-tested 4-3-3, a system that would provide greater balance and depth in attack. In this context, the hottest name is Noa Lang, a former PSV player who knows the Philips Stadion pitch perfectly.

Lang, who had a goal disallowed at the end of the unlucky away match in Turin, has stood out in recent training sessions, earning the trust of the coaching staff. “He’s working well and improving,” Conte is said to have confided after the match, hinting that starting him is more than just a possibility.

A test of character for Napoli

Napoli arrives in the Netherlands needing to reverse their negative away trend. In their last three away matches between Serie A and European competitions, the Azzurri have not picked up any points and have struggled to maintain intensity and focus.

Conte, however, doesn’t want to hear talk of a crisis: the numbers compared to last season remain similar, but an emotional and mental spark is needed. The coach is aiming for a solid performance, one that can restore confidence to the group and reignite their European campaign.

The clash with PSV therefore represents a maturity test for a team that wants to be a protagonist again, even far from the “Maradona”.

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