From a three-man defense at Juventus and Inter to a four-man system, Conte`s new mission is to unleash the full potential of his top players.
It is from the midfield that one can best observe the world around them. After years of orchestrating play from the center of his footballing universe, Antonio Conte has begun to look inward, discovering new tactical horizons. While his initial foray at Bari featured a 4-2-4 formation—now a fond memory—countless tactical lives have shaped the evolution of this relentlessly demanding, football-obsessed perfectionist. One doesn`t secure five Scudetti across Juventus, Inter, and Napoli without the capacity to reinvent oneself, to follow one`s convictions, and to present novel solutions to those around them. Nor does one depart from a successful, triumphant stint in London without a wealth of new insights to broaden one`s perspective.
The Attack: Not Just a Trident
Napoli’s distinctive style of football was initially embraced by Antonio Conte with caution, then carefully remodeled and tailored to his philosophy, much like a skilled tailor crafts a bespoke suit. His first Scudetto with Napoli felt like an inevitable personal compromise, a testament to the tactical adaptability of quick-thinking individuals. Conte reworks long-held concepts, adapting them to the demands of fate. His 4-3-3 formation first appeared in Turin and endured for a considerable period, as much of Spalletti’s Napoli, particularly the genius of Kvara and his flair, still thrived. However, facing difficulties and transformations dictated by both the game and circumstance, a shift occurred. The match in Paris—and Neres` injury—prompted a strategic move from Conte. He brought Raspadori into play, positioning him behind Lukaku, shifted McTominay slightly left, allowing practicality to triumph over rigid structure. This isn`t just a philosophy whispered; it`s a proven method that delivers titles wherever he goes. At Juventus, he famously introduced the 3-5-2, a tactical tweak first showcased during a disastrous evening at the San Paolo that magically transformed into a joyous 3-3 draw. At Chelsea, he also utilized a 3-4-3. At Inter, to maintain his strategic core, he returned to his established principles, adapting them by giving wing-back Perisic the freedom to cover the entire flank. And now, at Napoli, he has expanded his tactical vocabulary beyond traditional labels.
The Emergence of the New
The trident formation is deeply embedded in the DNA of a city captivated by the emotional surges of Sarri-ball, then electrified by Spalletti’s revolutionary Scudetto. Conte approached this legacy with authoritative caution, making his mark without succumbing to nostalgic pressures. His subtle yet decisive intervention brought the team to a dazzling seafront celebration. And when that festivity concluded, he intervened again to prepare for another (though unannounced) triumph. De Bruyne might seem like a distant dream in this context, but here, neither illusions nor illusionists are needed. Conte’s new 4-1-4-1 (or 4-4-1) system aims to `liberate` Lobotka, retain Anguissa, widen the pitch, bring KDB closer to Lucca, and perhaps eventually Hojlund. This adheres to his unyielding principle: `balance, everywhere, because otherwise, you don`t make progress.` His Napoli has been repeatedly reconfigured, at times seeking comfort in a three-man defense, at others embracing its historical connection with the trident, and then experimenting with various derivations of a comfortable four-at-the-back formation. At times, it resembled a Rubik`s Cube. But always, with the tricolor faces aligned.
