Napoli revival under Conte: identity back, need consistency for tough run | OneFootball

The 3-1 win over Atalanta represents much more than just three points: it is a sign that Antonio Conte’s Napoli has found the right path to restore order to their season after several complicated weeks, especially on the media front, following the defeat in Bologna.

Napoli, Conte’s Spark: Rediscovered Identity and Strong Signals, Now Consistency is Needed to Face a Grueling Schedule

The victory at the Maradona brings back confidence, stability, and a competitive edge that was essential to recover ahead of a jam-packed end of the year.

A Game of Two Halves: Brilliance in the First Half, Difficulties in the Second

Analyzing the match in detail, the two faces shown by the Azzurri become clear.

A First Half of the Highest Level

In the first 45 minutes, the team played football that was:

fluid

quick and vertical

technically clean

supported by an impeccable defensive phase

The high pressing worked, possession was dynamic, and the left flank constantly created superiority. An aggressive, compact Napoli, in line with their coach’s ideas.

A Complicated Second Half

In the second part of the match, the scenario changed. Scamacca’s entrance gave Atalanta a physical and technical reference point that troubled Napoli’s defensive trio. Napoli’s substitutes, especially from midfield forward, failed to make an impact: the pace dropped, there was less clarity, and more mistakes in ball management and space protection.

Not everything, therefore, was smooth or convincing, but the overall signal remains positive and provides a solid foundation to build on.

Consistency: The Real Key to the Next Phase

Conte knows well that the priority at this stage is not perfect play for all 90 minutes. The immediate goal is to get results, because only through a stable sequence of victories can self-esteem, identity, and competitive rhythm be rebuilt.

Returning to a fully available squad will still take time, but the most important signals have already arrived. The images of the final embraces – which included even the injured players in the stands – tell of a united team, emotionally invested in the project and aligned with the coach.

An Infernal Schedule: Napoli Prepares for the Toughest Month

The end of the year will be an extreme test. From now until the end of December, Napoli will face:

Qarabag in the Champions League

Roma in the league

Juventus, again in Serie A

Cagliari in the Coppa Italia round of 16

Benfica in the Champions League

Udinese in the league

and finally the trip to Riyadh for the Italian Super Cup

A journey that leaves no room for breaks or lapses in concentration.

Conte and his men, however, seem ready for the challenge. The win over Atalanta marks the first step: now consistency is needed to turn a good performance into a new positive cycle.

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