Discover the tactical brilliance that led Napoli to a historic Scudetto victory. A deep dive into formations, key players, and Kingmidas strategy.
How Napoli Won the Scudetto: A Tactical Analysis
For years, Napoli lingered in the shadow of Italian giants like Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter. But the 2022/23 Serie A season changed everything. With a thrilling blend of tactical discipline, attacking flair, and sheer determination, Napoli rose above expectations to win their first Scudetto since the days of Diego Maradona. Let’s dissect how this football miracle was engineered, tactically speaking.
The Leadership of Luciano Spalletti
Luciano Spalletti brought more than just experience to Napoli — he brought a vision. His pragmatic yet adventurous approach was key. Rather than sticking rigidly to tradition, he embraced flexibility in both formations and personnel. Under Spalletti, Napoli often lined up in a 4-3-3 system, but it was how this formation functioned that made the difference.
His ability to rotate players without losing cohesion showed his mastery. Spalletti built a squad that knew its roles perfectly, with every player contributing to the team’s shape and transitions.
Building from the Back: Controlled Possession
One of the hallmarks of Napoli’s play was their ability to build from the back. The center-backs, particularly Kim Min-jae and Amir Rrahmani, were comfortable on the ball and adept at initiating attacks. Their calmness under pressure allowed Napoli to avoid unnecessary long balls, ensuring they controlled the tempo.
The full-backs, Mario Rui and Giovanni Di Lorenzo, played an essential role in ball progression. Often drifting into midfield, they gave Spalletti’s team a numerical advantage, allowing smoother transitions and overwhelming opposition press.
The Midfield Engine: Lobotka, Zieliński, and Anguissa
Napoli’s midfield trio was the heartbeat of their success. Stanislav Lobotka provided the perfect anchor, dictating play with short passes, quick turns, and tactical awareness. He shielded the backline and recycled possession under pressure — a rare but crucial skill in modern football.
Piotr Zieliński, the creative spark, thrived with the freedom to push forward, combining well with wingers and strikers. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa brought dynamism and verticality, often breaking lines with surging runs that disrupted opposition structure.
This balance — control, creativity, and power — is what separated Napoli’s midfield from the rest of Serie A.
The Kvicha Kvaratskhelia Phenomenon
Few expected a Georgian winger from Dinamo Batumi to set Serie A on fire. But Kvaratskhelia’s impact was instant and immense. Nicknamed “Kvaradona,” his dribbling, creativity, and unpredictability made him one of the most feared attackers in Europe.
He gave Napoli width, often hugging the touchline to stretch defenses. His understanding with Zieliński and Victor Osimhen became the cornerstone of Napoli’s attacking fluidity. Kvaratskhelia’s ability to cut inside and shoot or lay off decisive passes added a new dimension to Napoli’s left flank.
Victor Osimhen: The Final Piece of the Puzzle
A striker needs more than goals to be world-class — positioning, pressing, and hold-up play are just as vital. Osimhen had all of these and more. He was Napoli’s spearhead, constantly threatening in behind and occupying multiple defenders.
His pressing from the front triggered Napoli’s defensive structure. Meanwhile, his aerial dominance and relentless energy gave Spalletti a reliable outlet under pressure. Osimhen’s ability to convert half-chances into goals is what turned draws into victories — a crucial trait in a title race.
Tactical Flexibility in Game Management
Spalletti’s Napoli didn’t just play one way. When leading, they could sit deeper and defend in a compact 4-5-1. When chasing, they pushed high, converting to an aggressive 3-4-3 shape in possession. The adaptability of the players made this possible — they understood space, timing, and how to transition between phases.
This was seen in big games — like the 5-1 demolition of Juventus, where Napoli outclassed the Bianconeri with quick transitions and relentless pressing, showing just how tactically mature they had become.
Defensive Solidity: The Unsung Heroes
While Napoli’s attack earned headlines, their defense quietly laid the foundation for the Scudetto. Kim Min-jae quickly filled the void left by Kalidou Koulibaly, forming a rock-solid pairing with Rrahmani. Their understanding was vital in snuffing out counter-attacks.
Meanwhile, Alex Meret in goal had a career-best season, pulling off crucial saves in high-pressure moments. Napoli finished the season with one of the best defensive records in Europe — a stat often overlooked when discussing their title triumph.
Data-Driven Football and Recruitment
Credit must also go to Napoli’s scouting and analytics departments. Players like Kvaratskhelia, Kim, and Anguissa were smart acquisitions — relatively low-cost but high-upside. This strategy, driven by data and tactical fit rather than market hype, made a huge difference.
Rather than chasing big names, Napoli targeted players who could execute Spalletti’s tactical vision. The result was a squad with chemistry, hunger, and tactical intelligence.
The Mentality Shift
Beyond tactics and skill, Napoli’s mentality was crucial. After decades of falling short, this squad believed. Big wins, like the dramatic away victory at Roma or the comeback against Atalanta, fueled a sense of destiny. The team stayed composed under pressure, even when other top clubs faltered.
Leadership from veterans like Di Lorenzo, coupled with the youthful energy of Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen, created a perfect blend of maturity and enthusiasm.
Conclusion: Napoli’s Triumph Is a Blueprint
Napoli’s Scudetto wasn’t a fluke — it was a tactical masterpiece built on smart recruitment, clear identity, and balanced football. Their story is a blueprint for modern clubs with ambition but without the financial might of traditional giants. It proves that with the right coach, system, and mentality, even history can be rewritten.
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