Napoli's Politano: This squad stronger, De Bruyne quiet but likeable | OneFootball

Matteo Politano, speaking to Sky Sport on the eve of the summer friendly against Brest, offered an interesting insight into the Napoli 2.0 branded Antonio Conte, between first impressions of the group and new seasonal ambitions.

Napoli, Politano: “This team is potentially stronger. De Bruyne? Silent but nice”

Politano: «Napoli stronger, but the field will speak» The pre-season retreat currently underway in Castel di Sangro serves to put gasoline in the legs, but also to increase the group's awareness.

«I'm fine, I've recovered well since we started training again. Friendlies are useful for putting in minutes, finding rhythm and getting the new players settled. The workload is starting to be felt, but we want to do well from the start».

Among the new faces in the blue house, Kevin De Bruyne undoubtedly stands out, the summer hit in Serie A:

«He has fit in very well, has brought enthusiasm and quality. He's a bit quiet but nice. A true champion».

And then there's Lorenzo Lucca, the center-forward who arrived from Udinese:

«He's an important player, has structure, holds the ball well. He's working to understand our movements, can give us a lot, just like Lukaku. At a potential level, this team is stronger than last year, but the field will give answers».

The blue outside player also highlighted the group's ambition:

«We want to compete in all competitions, we're happy to return to the Champions League and convinced that we can say our say against any opponent».

The "problem" of abundance: Conte and the management of a talented group The new Napoli presents itself with a deep and high-quality squad, designed to face a season that involves commitment on multiple fronts. Antonio Conte's task will be twofold: give the team a clear tactical identity, but also manage the internal dynamics of a locker room crowded with "top players".

The Apulian coach, known for his flexibility and pragmatism, will have various game systems to calibrate based on opponents and the condition of his men. It is likely that the module will be adapted from time to time, favoring the versatility of individuals (as in the case of Politano, Raspadori or Anguissa) to face different moments of the game.

At the same time, it will be crucial to preserve the balance of the group, avoiding tensions arising from missed calls or frequent rotations. After the complex situations related to Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia in the previous season, a more mature and cohesive environment is hoped for in Castel Volturno.

Conte will have to be not only a coach but also a "manager" of strong personalities, using abundance as a strength and not as a source of friction.

A high-coefficient season: Napoli wants to return to the top With the arrival of De Bruyne, the return to the Champions League, and a deep squad in every department, Napoli has all the cards to open a new competitive cycle. The real challenge will be to combine talent, balance, and consistency of performance, in a championship that promises to be more level and unpredictable.

The second Napoli of Conte starts with ambition and awareness. And Politano's words summarize the collective goal well: "We can play with anyone". Now the word passes to the field.

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