Neres-Hojlund duo excites Conte: flair and power for Napoli | OneFootball

In Antonio Conte's Napoli, there is a new offensive certainty: David Neres and Rasmus Hojlund. A seemingly atypical pair, in terms of style and football background, but on the field, they have found an immediate and devastating understanding.

Napoli, the Neres-Hojlund axis ignites Conte: Brazilian technique and Nordic strength change the face of the Azzurri

South American flair and Nordic power have fused into a tandem that is driving the Azzurri to a string of significant victories, as highlighted by Corriere dello Sport.

The numbers explain the offensive turnaround

After the misstep in Bologna, Napoli changed gears: three consecutive victories against Atalanta, Roma, and Juventus, with a radically different offensive impact. At the center of this turnaround are Neres and Hojlund.

The data is clear. In the three games following the break:

These numbers place them among the most decisive players in the entire Serie A in recent weeks.

A natural understanding: they always seek and find each other

It's not just about statistics. On the field, Neres and Hojlund seem to move with already well-rehearsed automatisms. As highlighted by Corriere dello Sport: “A tandem has been born, one of those pairs that play by heart.”

The Brazilian plays the role with total freedom: he accelerates, beats his man, and invents passing lines. The Dane, on the other hand, is the central reference: a modern center forward, capable of acting as a pivot, protecting the ball, and attacking space with timing and strength.

The lightning-fast counterattack seen against Roma, built on the David-Rasmus-David axis, is the clearest image of this new offensive dimension.

The change of system and Conte's influence

Napoli's revival also stems from Conte's tactical choices. The switch to a 3-4-2-1 formation, revived after the break, has maximized the characteristics of the squad. With Neres and Lang behind Hojlund, the attack has become more vertical, unpredictable, and rapid.

Lang represents the third man in the new setup: less flashy in numbers, but crucial for balance, insertions, and connections between the departments. An “atypical” but functional trident that has relegated Politano to a more marginal role.

Napoli transformed: more aggressive and concrete

The result is evident: a more direct Napoli, fiercer in transitions, and more effective in front of goal. The team has become “a whole different story” compared to the one seen in Bologna, as noted by the sports daily.

Three matches, three prestigious victories, a clear message to the league.

Udine as confirmation

Even against Udinese, Conte is ready to rely on them again. Neres, Hojlund, and Lang will be called upon to lead the Azzurri, confirming that this strange pair is not a flash in the pan, but one of the most successful tactical keys of the season.

Brazilian technique, Nordic power, and collective intelligence: Napoli has found its new offensive engine.

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