Napoli: Conte banks on Maradona factor, eyes gap over Pisa in Serie A | OneFootball

Juventus's draw in Verona opens a valuable opportunity for Napoli: to stay alone at the top of Serie A and attempt the first mini-breakaway of the season.

Napoli, Conte changes formation and relies on the Maradona factor: against Pisa the first mini-breakaway in the championship

To achieve this, Antonio Conte relies on the Maradona factor, where the blues have never lost in 2025, and a change of formation designed to manage energy after the efforts of the Champions League.

Napoli unbeaten in the league for 15 rounds

The defeat with Manchester City in Europe does not change the coach's attitude, who in the Italian championship continues to travel at very high rhythms: Napoli is unbeaten for 15 consecutive matches in Serie A. The last setback dates back to the end of February against Como, while at Maradona no team has managed to win throughout 2025. The last away success dates back to December 8, 2024, when it was Lazio who conquered the Neapolitan stadium.

Conte prepares the 4-3-3 with targeted turnover

After the 4-1-4-1 seen in Champions, Conte starts with the 4-3-3, a choice dictated by the need to manage men and forces. Several formation changes are expected compared to Manchester:

Meret returns to goal.

In defense space for Juan Jesus and Olivera, ready to let Buongiorno and Spinazzola rest.

In midfield Lobotka, coming from a demanding game at the Etihad, could give way to Gilmour; McTominay should give way to Elmas.

Up front, there is a possibility for Neres from the first minute, with De Bruyne confirmed despite the early change in Champions. In attack, there is a toss-up between Lucca and Hojlund to lead the trident.

Gilardino's Pisa does not want to be a walk-on

But beware of the opponent: Gilardino's Pisa is still looking for its first victory in the championship and has no intention of playing the role of sacrificial victim. The former world champion bomber has asked his team for courage and compactness to challenge one of the most in-form teams in the tournament.

An opportunity not to be wasted

Napoli therefore has in front of it the opportunity to take advantage of Juventus's misstep and the enthusiasm of its own fans to extend its lead in the standings. Conte does not want to hear about drops in tension: between home field advantage, defensive solidity and a midfield among the most competitive in Serie A, the coach is already dreaming of sending the first strong signal to the competition.

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