Napoli: Neres back in form, Conte’s Champions League wildcard | OneFootball

Napoli is rediscovering David Neres, decisive in the last two games: a brace against Atalanta and almost a highlight-reel goal with a bicycle kick against Qarabag. The Brazilian's growth coincides with the new formation chosen by Antonio Conte, who switched to a 3-4-3 after the break: a system that enhances both Neres and Noa Lang, both in excellent form.

Napoli, Neres finds form and magic. Now he's Conte's wildcard

He has played (and well) in all attacking roles in recent weeks to compensate for the absences of Lukaku, Hojlund, and De Bruyne. Having completed the "Conte catechism" penalties, as reported by Gazzetta, David Neres has accelerated and started dribbling, at times reminding of Ezequiel Lavezzi and creating new opportunities for Napoli. Two goals against Atalanta and if he had scored against Qarabag, with a move reminiscent of Shingo Tamai, an acrobatic half-bicycle kick, he would have become the cover star of the Champions League, but the Azerbaijani team's goalkeeper, Mateusz Kochalski, denied him the sublimation of his new status as a football hero, a shadow of the Argentine memory.

As a forward against Inter, he created key spaces, as in the action of Anguissa's goal.

As a right winger in the trident, he showed his best: more freedom between the lines, closer to the goal, and more technically incisive.

His internal positions often free up Di Lorenzo, who can attack wide.

A tactical and even "political" choice

Conte had previously preferred Politano, but in the last two matches, he started Neres, perhaps also to change the offensive rhythm: more creativity and unpredictability, less defensive discipline.

The Roma test

Sunday brings Roma-Napoli, a title clash against the best defense in the league. It will be the real test:

Will Conte confirm the Lang–Hojlund–Neres trident?

Or will he return to Politano for a more balanced setup?

For now, Neres has taken center stage: dribbling, creativity, and an increasingly central role in Conte's Napoli.

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