ANALYSIS: Attacking Sarri makes contender of Napoli... by bolstering defence
At times, the Partenopei were even known as the “anti-Juve”, the team that was expected by some to really push the Turinese giants all the way for the Scudetto.
That vision, however, never came to fruition, with Napoli only able to show glimpses of a side that could potentially lift the coveted trophy.
Aurelio De Laurentiis’ charges mostly shined up front, where talents such as Edinson Cavani, Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi could strut their stuff. The defence, however, was another matter, and played a major role in Napoli’s also-ran status.
Despite De Laurentiis’ consistent investments, attacking targets always seem to be the main priority, reducing defensive reinforcements to mere afterthought.
Ironically, it is only with Maurizio Sarri’s (an attacking coach) arrival that Napoli are beginning to turn the page on their ugly defensive past. Better, this could finally give them a fighting chance to win their first Scudetto since 1990.
This season, the Partenopei have totaled an impressive seven clean sheets in their last 10 matches in all competitions. They have done so with last season’s inconsistent duo of Raul Albiol and Kalidou Koulibaly, who are now in the process of forging a formidable partnership.
For comparisons’ sake, it has taken Napoli 10 Serie A matches to reach five clean sheets this season. Last year, they needed 19, in a campaign that saw them let in 54 goals, the most out of any side that finished in the top ten places.
What has changed? For a start, gone are the comical errors that characterized the Azzurri’s 2014-2015 campaign. Back then, Albiol and Koulibaly often made mistakes higher up the pitch: whether it was attempting a tackle or losing possession from opposition pressure, Napoli would often have to deal with direct counterattacks, and paid for it dearly.
Sarri’s choice to begin the attack from deep positions hasn’t just limited the centre-backs’ role in bringing the ball forward (and thus in losing it), it’s also afforded Brazilian midfielder Jorginho the freedom to dictate his team’s play, which the 23-year-old has turned into a stunning 90% passing accuracy, the best return among the Azzurri.
The former Empoli coach’s choice of a high defensive line has also played a role, as it sets up his men to play 38.2 meters from goal, the highest in Serie A: once the Partenopei lose the ball, a flurry of players immediately press and apply pressure to quickly win it back. They also continue to press deep into the opposition’s half, a strategy which paid off handsomely against AC Milan, forcing Cristian Zapata to give the ball away and setting the Azzurri up to score.
Nowadays, if they are unsuccessful in winning back possession, Albiol and Koulibaly are careful in attempting to win the ball back, in stark contrast to the urgency displayed under Benitez.
No player has improved as much defensively under Sarri as Koulibaly. Physical, good with the ball at his feet and possessing a great leap, the 24-year-old has refined his game under the former Empoli coach.
From being a player often guilty of lapses in concentration (he made five defensive errors last season, more than any Napoli player), he has slowly become a trusted centre-back, helping the side concede just three goals in their last 10 total matches with his team-high nine defensive interventions per match.
Sarri has also helped Napoli overcome a clear weakness at full-back in veteran Christian Maggio. With the Italian international has losing a step or two, fresh legs were needed, and Sarri’s gamble on former player Elseid Hysaj has paid off brilliantly.
The 21-year-old has immediately grown into his role, and has started all of the Partenopei’s league matches. Never one to dive into a tackle by employing a measured approach, Hysaj has helped Napoli stay compact at the back. The Albanian international has also formed a nice partnership with winger Jose Callejon down the right flank and the pair have combined nicely, adding an extra dimension to the attack.
Though we’re only ten games into his experience at Napoli, Maurizio Sarri has already done what Rafa failed to do in his two years at the helm: stabilize Napoli’s defence. The Partenopei have conceded eight goals so far this campaign, with only Inter bettering them by one.
The season is still in its early stages with many more surprises to come. But we know one thing is certain: for the first time in a long while, Napoli can finally count on a solid defence, making them a genuine title contender for Serie A glory.
