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was a fragile take a look at, an essential one – however Napoli represents the primary actual turning level in AC Milan’s Serie A marketing campaign. San Siro stays the last word proving floor: from Cremonese on the league’s opening day to within the Coppa Italia, now come the reigning champions. On Matchday 5, Allegri’s Rossoneri host the league leaders, with the prospect – ought to they win – to catch them on the prime and start shaping the path of the season.

However standing of their means is Conte’s powerhouse. Sturdy, disciplined, and in peak type since his arrival, Napoli have been reworked right into a relentless machine. Again on the prime of Serie A already, the Azzurri haven’t misplaced in 16 league video games, a dominant run which earned them their fourth Scudetto final season. This yr they’ve continued with an ideal document: 12 factors from 12, courtesy of wins over Sassuolo (2-0), Cagliari (1-0), Fiorentina (3-1) and Pisa (3-2). The one blemish up to now: a Champions League setback, taking part in with ten-men in a 0-2 defeat away to Manchester Metropolis.

DEFENCE IS THE BEST ATTACK Final yr’s finest defence in Serie A – virtually all the time the hallmark of a title-winning facet – Napoli have conceded simply 3 objectives this season. Solely Roma (1) and AC Milan (2) have been tighter. Conte’s obsession with defensive element stays the workforce’s basis: the 4-3-3 now morphed right into a compact 4-1-4-1, working in unison, marking tightly, and shutting down area, particularly in opposition to fast counterattacks.

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They may, nonetheless, miss Buongiorno, a key organiser on the again, although they’ve stable cowl obtainable. A clear sheet usually fuels their assault. Napoli lead the league in anticipated objectives (7.2) and pictures heading in the right direction (25). Their attacking versatility is obvious: lengthy balls in direction of a lone striker, crosses from the wings, particular person ability out broad, and runs from the midfield into the field. With 9 objectives already, probability creation is never a problem.

DE BRUYNE AND MCTOMINAY: NAPOLI’S BEATING HEART This summer season’s marquee signing has already paid off: De Bruyne has 2 objectives, has adopted the position of free-kick and penalty taker, and appears totally settled in Serie A – technically dominant and decisive, particularly away from the Maradona. Alongside him, McTominay has been a revelation: bodily imposing, clever, and prolific. He is opened the scoring 9 occasions in 2025 alone and is already into double figures for the yr. With Lobotka pulling the strings and Anguissa including grit, Napoli’s midfield is balanced and formidable.

Napoli do have absences. Buongiorno’s defensive management will likely be missed, whereas Lukaku – out since August – leaves a void up entrance. His replacements, although, deliver hazard of their very own: Højlund, well-known from his Atalanta spell earlier than Manchester United, and Lucca, a fast, ruthless striker succesful each in behind and within the field. And on the suitable flank, the tried-and-tested Di Lorenzo–Politano duo stay essential – the full-back’s ahead thrust and the winger’s creativity a partnership that has usually thrived in opposition to AC Milan.

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