As the Serie A season heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming match between Napoli and Atalanta, taking place at the iconic Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Napoli’s head coach, Antonio Conte, is reportedly feeling the pressure as he prepares to devise a strategy to contain the explosive Ademola Lookman, who has emerged as a key player for Atalanta this season.
Conte, who previously managed Chelsea, has expressed his concerns about Lookman’s impact on the game, drawing parallels to Arsenal’s approach during their UEFA Champions League encounter. In that match, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta deployed Thomas Partey specifically to neutralize Lookman, a tactic that proved effective in keeping the game goalless.
In his recent statements, Conte emphasized the importance of not underestimating Atalanta, who are not only the reigning UEFA Europa League champions but also a formidable opponent in Serie A. He acknowledged that tactical sacrifices may be necessary to counter Lookman and his teammates effectively. “It was Matteo who gave me the idea to drop down if needed when under attack. Against Atalanta, Arsenal put Thomas Partey on Ademola Lookman to form a five-man line; sometimes Arsenal also brought Saka and Martinelli deep,” Conte explained, highlighting the need for a cohesive team effort in both attacking and defending.
Conte continued, “This is a big danger because Atalanta are a strong team; they won the Europa League by ending Bayer Leverkusen’s season-long unbeaten record. They’ve been regulars in the Champions League for years, and every season has to be considered among the best sides. It’s all credit to the club and to Gian Piero Gasperini, a coach who also worked with me when I was a player at Juventus.”
With the stakes high, Conte is cautious not to underestimate Atalanta. He remarked, “If anything, it could be Atalanta who underestimates us, seeing what happened last season. You all keep telling me it is an advantage not playing European games, but I warn you it is a disadvantage because we don’t have such a deep squad.” His comments reflect the competitive nature of Serie A, where every match can significantly impact a team’s aspirations for the season.
While the match may not be labeled as a direct clash for the Scudetto, both teams share a common goal: securing a spot in the prestigious Champions League. Conte acknowledged Atalanta’s consistency and success in building a strong squad over the years, even after selling key players. “Atalanta can set the example for us, building year by year, even when selling big players,” he noted.
Ademola Lookman has been a standout performer for Atalanta this season, having started six out of seven matches so far. His impressive form includes four goals in Serie A, placing him tied for the seventh highest tally in the league. Additionally, Lookman has showcased his playmaking abilities, ranking joint second in assists with four to his name. His contributions have been vital for Atalanta as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
As fans eagerly anticipate the clash, the tactical battle between Conte and Gasperini will be a focal point, with both coaches looking to outmaneuver each other on the pitch. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, showcasing the talents of players like Lookman and the strategic prowess of two seasoned managers.
With the Serie A title race tightening, every point will be crucial for both Napoli and Atalanta. As the teams prepare for this highly anticipated showdown, the football world will be watching closely to see how Conte’s tactics evolve in response to Lookman’s growing influence in the league.
