Serie A champions Napoli are entering the new season with a clear message: humility and lessons from a calamitous title defence in 2023‑24 are the foundation of their resurgence. Manager Antonio Conte, entrusted with leading Napoli after their chaotic previous campaign, has been vocal about harnessing past failures as fuel for future consistency.
In the 2022‑23 season, Napoli achieved their first Scudetto in 33 years under Luciano Spalletti. But the following season proved disastrous—they finished tenth and cycled through three different managers as instability engulfed the squad. Conte was appointed in June 2024 and immediately restored order, guiding the team back to the top of Serie A and clinching the title in the recently concluded season.
Conte insists that the scars of last season remain ever-present: “What happened two years ago must be a lesson, especially to the environment … we will be very humble”.. Emphasizing that champions are automatically considered among the favourites, he asserts that Napoli must not shy away from that status but embrace the challenge without complacency.
To reinforce his message, Conte has overseen several high-profile signings. Belgian midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne brings 19 trophies and leadership pedigree from Manchester City. Conte believes the 34‑year‑old can elevate the squad further, not just with playmaking but with temperament. Dutch winger Noa Lang and Italian defender Luca Marianucci also bolster the squad, aiming to provide depth and adaptability.
Conte’s managerial track record speaks for itself—he has already won three Serie A titles with Juventus, one with Inter Milan, and a Premier League title with Chelsea. He now becomes the first manager to capture Serie A with three different clubs should Napoli defend successfully again. That said, his style remains divisive. Though effective, Conte’s intense personality and frequent friction with club hierarchy—particularly president Aurelio De Laurentiis—have stirred tension in Naples.
Napoli’s revival under Conte has been as much a cultural shift as a tactical one. Reports highlight how Conte’s arrival ushered in a “Juventinised” mentality—rigorous, disciplined, and united—focusing on collective effort rather than flair for flair’s sake. Defensive solidity has become paramount: new signings like Alessandro Buongiorno have shored up the backline, and Napoli have conceded just 27 league goals in the title‑winning season, the best in Serie A by a notable margin.
Tactically, Conte has adapted his signature system to the squad’s evolving strengths and the demands of modern Serie A. The team now shifts fluidly between formations—whether 3‑4‑2‑1, 4‑3‑3, or 4‑2‑3‑1—depending on game context and personnel. Scott McTominay’s positional flexibility alongside Lukaku and others has been pivotal in this adaptability.
Nevertheless, Conte warns of the psychological pitfalls that undermine champions. In games against the once-promoted Como in February, Napoli lost after fading badly in the second half. Conte admitted responsibility, saying they “melted” under pressure and lamented the drop in hunger and nastiness—traits he demands in every match.
As preparations begin—with pre‑season kicking off against Arezzo in mid‑July—Conte’s message is unwavering. Napoli must train intensely and remain grounded, resisting past arrogance. Every victory now must be earned through discipline, focus, and collective spirit.
If Napoli can maintain the mental resilience that Conte is instilling, and if new signings like De Bruyne deliver the expected boost, the club stands a strong chance not only to defend their Scudetto—but to build a stable model for sustained success. Yet, as Conte emphasises, only those who learn from failure can avoid repeating it.
