Connect with us

Serie A

Roma-Lazio, what’s behind the Dybala-Guendouzi spat?

Published

on


Views: 28

At the end of the first half of the season, Napoli seems to be a team rediscovered. The credit, of course, goes to the champion on the bench: Antonio Conte.

The Napoli of Antonio Conte closes the first half of the season at the top of the table, at least temporarily, with Atalanta and Inter having to recover one and two games respectively.

The numbers are impressive: 44 points, 30 goals scored and just 12 goals conceded, accompanied by a total of 11 clean sheets that make the blues the best defense in Europe, on par with Atletico Madrid.

What makes this data even more extraordinary is that half of the goals conceded came in just two games: the defeats against Hellas Verona and Atalanta. These two matches, along with the game against Lazio, represented the crucial turning points of the Napoli season, highlighting both a tactical and mental evolution.

Napoli, Conte

Napoli’s Head Coach Antonio Conte portrait during Italian soccer Serie A match Hellas Verona FC vs SSC Napoli at the Marcantonio Bentegodi stadium in Verona, Italy, August 18, 2024 – Credit: Ettore Griffoni

Napoli, the ghosts of the past in the Verona collapse

The trip to the Bentegodi against Verona seemed like a bad deja-vu for Napoli. The 3-0 defeat was not random, but the result of an inadequate performance both offensively and defensively.

In that match, all the limits of the previous season resurfaced, with a team lacking ideas and at the mercy of Verona’s aggressiveness. For Conte, that match was an alarm bell: it was evident that Napoli needed solid defensive foundations to build an ambitious season.

It seems like centuries have passed since that defeat, but in reality, only a few months have gone by. And it was from those ruins that Conte began to shape his Napoli.

Napoli Politano

Atalanta and the need for change

The second significant setback came against Atalanta, another 3-0 loss that exposed the offensive limitations of the team. Despite a more structured defense, the blues lacked solutions in the opponent’s half of the field.

This result, although heavy, marked a turning point. Conte realized that it was not enough to fortify the goal to aim high.

Among the protagonists of the change of course was Matteo Politano, a true tactical wildcard: initially sacrificed as an additional wing-back in the defensive 5-4-1, he was then moved further up to ensure a balance between attack and cover.

From that defeat, Conte began to shape a Napoli capable of being dangerous without losing solidity.

L'intervista a Marco Ballotta

L’URLO DI MARCO BARONI E DI ANTONIO CONTE ( FOTO DI SALVATORE FORNELLI )

The lesson from Lazio: the balance regained

The defeat against Lazio was the final wake-up call for Conte’s Napoli. The 0-1 loss at the Maradona convinced the coach and his staff to go further, finding a more proactive approach that did not neglect the defensive phase.

From that moment, the blues have collected four consecutive victories, scoring 9 goals and conceding only 2. The team is no longer passive, but seeks to dominate opponents in every area of the field, with a chameleon-like attitude that varies depending on the game situations.

L’ESULTANZA DEL NAPOLI CON ROMELU LUKAKU, DAVID NERES, MATHIAS OLIVERA E SCOTT MC TOMINAY ( FOTO DI SALVATORE FORNELLI )

An ever-evolving Napoli

As we reach the halfway point, Napoli emerges as one of the strongest realities in the league. The most fascinating aspect is the ability to adapt: attacking the spaces left by opponents when possible, but also closing ranks with order in times of difficulty.

Antonio Conte has transformed this team, making it capable of experiencing each game as a dynamic balance between defense and attack.

Meanwhile, the coach awaits reinforcements from the January transfer market to bolster the defense and midfield, and who knows, with some adjustments, dreaming big this season might not be far-fetched.

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Serie A

2023 Record Annihilated – Football Style

Published

on

By


Views: 37

Juventus, a year ago was destined to leave Turin, today is one of Tudor’s certainties. The choice of the management to renew him has become a sign of continuity and trust.

Just a year ago Daniele Rugani seemed to be saying goodbye to Juventus. Like it happened to Huijsen, Soulé and partly to Federico Chiesa, for him too the club had drawn a clear line: those who did not fit into Thiago Motta’s technical plans were invited to find a new placement. But the fate of the Tuscan defender took a different turn.

Despite having a contract expiring eight months from the end of the season, the Juventus management decided to exercise the unilateral renewal clause for another year, a clear sign of trust. Despite everything, Rugani has proven to be a reliable, serious, and professional player, earning a leading role in a team still in search of balance.

Juventus, Tudor’s few certainties

In a complicated moment for the defense and more generally for Igor Tudor’s Juventus, number 24 represents a technical and moral certainty, a symbol of belonging and continuity. The club, which a year ago seemed ready to turn the page, has instead decided to focus on a player who knows the environment, accepts hierarchies, and knows how to be ready when needed.

In short, after almost ten years in black and white, Rugani has returned to being more than just a backup!



Source link

Continue Reading

Serie A

Juventus can start over, this year there is greater harmony between team and coach. Yildiz? I say this…

Published

on

By


Views: 18

Marco Materazzi reveals: after the 2006 World Cup, a possible transfer to Roma, but I stayed at Inter due to lack of favorable conditions.

The Background of a Missed Transfer

Marco Materazzi, iconic Italian defender, has revealed an interesting background story about his career. After the triumph of the Italian National Team at the 2006 World Cup, Materazzi had the opportunity to move to Roma. However, according to the former defender, the transfer did not materialize because “they wanted to get married with dried figs,” a metaphor highlighting the lack of suitable conditions for the agreement. Materazzi, therefore, chose to stay at Inter, where he continued to achieve both personal and team success.

The Dream of Playing with Totti and De Rossi

Materazzi also expressed some regret for not being able to play alongside Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi. According to him, the combination of talent could have led to great success for Roma. Nevertheless, the defender is satisfied with his career at Inter, where he contributed to writing indelible pages in the club’s history. His words, reported on Twitter by Nicolò Schira, tell of a crucial period in his career and offer an interesting insight into decisions that could have changed the course of his footballing life.

For more transfer news, click here.

Source: Twitter account X by Schira



Source link

Continue Reading

Serie A

Tough match, I’m satisfied with the result – Football style

Published

on

By


Views: 21

Cremonese-Udinese ends 1-1, last match of the seventh day. Terracciano’s goal in the first half was answered by Zaniolo’s first goal in the league.

Closing the seventh day of Serie A is CremoneseUdinese, Monday’s postponement. A match between two teams that started well in the league but have not found a win for several games.

Both coaches focus on quality: Nicola lines up Vandeputte and the attacking duo Bonazzoli-Vardy, with the Englishman making his debut as a starter, while Runjaić responds with Atta and Ekkelenkamp in midfield, Karlstrom in charge and Zaniolo as a forward alongside Bayo.

Cremonese-Udinese

DAVIDE NICOLA (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

Cremonese-Udinese, first half in red-gray tones

The start is immediately favorable to the home team, who unlock the result in the 4th minute with Terracciano’s header from Vandeputte’s free-kick. The goal charges Cremonese, who dominate the first half thanks to the intensity of Bondo and the creativity of Vandeputte in midfield.

The red-grays come close to doubling their lead several times, first with Zerbin and then with Vandeputte and Bonazzoli, who hit the crossbar in the 31st minute. Udinese, on the other hand, struggles to react and ends the first half in difficulty, saved only by the opponents’ inaccuracies.

Cremonese-Udinese

Zaniolo responds and Vardy almost scores the winning goal

In the second half, the game changes. Runjaić’s team comes back onto the field with a completely different attitude and immediately finds the equalizer in the 51st minute: Bayo serves Zanoli on the right, perfect cross and winning header by Zaniolo, scoring his first goal in Udinese colors.

The Friulians gain confidence and force Cremonese to drop back, but in the 60th minute, it’s Nicola’s team that comes very close to taking the lead again: Vardy sprints behind the defense and tries a chip shot, but Okoye does not allow it.

In the final minutes, opportunities abound on both sides: Piotrowski and Atta try for Udinese, then Vázquez hits the post with a free-kick in the 79th minute.

In the 91st minute, the last great chance falls to the red-grays: Sarmiento takes advantage of a glaring mistake by Solet, who is having an off day, and serves Vardy, who in the box gets rid of a defender and shoots practically on target but finds the decisive deflection by Kabasele, tonight the best in the Udinese defense.

The match ends 1-1, a result that satisfies neither team. Cremonese regrets the missed opportunities, while Udinese can only console themselves for the second-half reaction and Zaniolo’s excellent performance.

Source link

Continue Reading

News

European Cups50 mins ago

Barcelona, Flick reunites with Ferran Torres, but the emergency continues

The Barcelona prepares to face the Champions League challenge against Olympiakos. The emergency continues at home for the Blaugrana: Flick...

Serie A60 mins ago

2023 Record Annihilated – Football Style

Views: 37 Juventus, a year ago was destined to leave Turin, today is one of Tudor’s certainties. The choice...

Transfer-market3 hours ago

Orsolini and Bologna reject offer from Al Qadsiah – Soccer style

Views: 27 An AC Milan scout spotted at the Ferraris Stadium to monitor young Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, born...

European Cups5 hours ago

180 fans arrested on the eve of the match

Views: 20 The third day of the Champions League will also see Atalanta take on Slavia Prague. The match...

Serie A5 hours ago

Juventus can start over, this year there is greater harmony between team and coach. Yildiz? I say this…

Views: 18 Marco Materazzi reveals: after the 2006 World Cup, a possible transfer to Roma, but I stayed at...

L'ex Roma Cristian Volpato L'ex Roma Cristian Volpato
Transfer-market7 hours ago

Sassuolo confirms change of agent for Cristian Volpato

Views: 29 Joshua Zirkzee’s adventure at Manchester United seems destined to end in January. In the event of the...

European Cups9 hours ago

Inter, possible Champions League turnover: Chivu doses the energies

Views: 25 Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match...

Serie A9 hours ago

Tough match, I’m satisfied with the result – Football style

Views: 21 Cremonese-Udinese ends 1-1, last match of the seventh day. Terracciano’s goal in the first half was answered...

Transfer-market11 hours ago

Simeone? I already consider him ours

Views: 25 Joshua Zirkzee’s adventure at Manchester United seems destined to end in January. In case of the Dutchman’s...

European Cups13 hours ago

Probable lineups and where to watch it – Soccer style

Views: 25 Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match...

Serie A13 hours ago

“We deserved more. I liked the spirit of the boys” – Football style

Views: 21 1-1 draw between Cremonese and Udinese, last match of the seventh round. Terracciano’s goal in the first...

Serie B14 hours ago

35,000 spectators at the Barbera Stadium – Football vibes

Yesterday, Palermo drew 1-1 against Modena, but the crowd at the Barbera stadium was incredible: 35,000 spectators, reminiscent of the...

Transfer-market16 hours ago

The replacement could come from Real Madrid

Views: 21 Joshua Zirkzee’s adventure at Manchester United seems destined to end in January. In case of the Dutchman’s...

European Cups17 hours ago

Probable line-ups and where to watch it – Football style

Views: 24 Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the Champions League match...

Serie B17 hours ago

Spezia, renewed trust in D’Angelo: the situation

The Spezia confirms Luca D’Angelo as coach despite contacts with Guido Pagliuca. Despite the disappointing results at the beginning of...

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Calciostyle.com