Napoli – Juventus: Napoli Steal Clash Marred By Costly Defensive Errors (2-1)

Potential title challengers battled, as Napoli monopolized possession and outshot their visitors. However, they toiled in the wide areas and sent speculative shots from distance until a half-time change saw them able to play between the lines to turn the tide. Juventus for their worth were able to create notable chances, be penetrative, even with their limited on-the-ball time, and were comfortable defensively but were eventually undone by significant defensive errors. 

Tactical analysis and match report by Julian Chingoma.

On the heels of a major personnel departure, Massimiliano Allegri began navigating the tough task simultaneously regaining domestic supremacy while rebuilding a Bianconeri squad which had been steadily declining for the last few years. Up to this fixture, the journey had some bright moments amongst an otherwise grim start which saw them gain one point from two league games. 

There seemed no better time for a rebuild as there has been much change within Italy’s top flight. Napoli were another side to install a new coach this season. And Luciano Spalletti had guided his charges to wins in their first two Serie A challenges. In terms of shape, Napoli were put in a 4-3-3 formation by Spalletti. David Ospina was behind the backline of Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Kostas Manolas, Kalidou Koulibaly and Mário Rui. The midfield trio was André-Frank Anguissa, Fabián Ruiz and Elif Elmas while in attack they had Matteo Politano, Victor Osimhen and Lorenzo Insigne.

Allegri set up a 4-3-3 shape with Wojciech Szczęsny in goal and had the four of Mattia De Sciglio, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Lucas Pellegrini ahead of him . . .