Napoli are considering a switch to a three-man defence after the international break, with Alessandro Buongiorno expected to return to the squad, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.
The change is being considered as Napoli look to improve a slow start to the season. They have taken seven points from their opening five rounds and must increase their results to avoid falling further behind their direct competitors.
Inter Milan, Roma and Lazio each have 13 points, while AC Milan have 11. Cagliari have also emerged as the surprise package in the opening rounds.
Qualifying for the Champions League is Napoli’s minimum target this season. Their first match after the international break will be against Frosinone, who have made an impressive start and recently defeated Como 3-0.
Napoli have struggled to maintain their defensive organisation and confidence. Buongiorno’s expected return could help address those problems, with the defender set to join Amir Rrahmani and Rafa Marin in a possible back three.
According to Sports Post, Allegri has been using Buongiorno as the right-sided centre-back in training. It is a position he previously occupied under Allegri, and one he could fill again in the new system.
Buongiorno is expected to play against Avellino this morning. Alessio Nesta’s side will provide an opportunity for him to build an understanding with Rrahmani and Rafa Marin. The trio were the starting centre-backs in Napoli’s four-man defence during the first five rounds.
Napoli seek defensive improvement
Napoli’s seven points also match the number of goals they have conceded so far. They have kept only one clean sheet, against Bologna.
Defensive structure has always been important to Allegri, who built his teams around collective compactness. He is now working to restore those qualities at Napoli’s Castel Volturno training ground.
A faster start and an improved tempo will be required against Frosinone, and the solution could begin with a change in formation.
The initial plan is for Buongiorno to operate on the right of the back three, with Rrahmani centrally and Rafa Marin on the left. There are, however, several alternatives.
Di Lorenzo can play as a right-sided centre-back and will return to the defensive rotation when he is available. Badiashile is also waiting for a greater role after a difficult home debut against Inter Milan.
On the left, Oliveira is another option after playing at centre-back in a four-man defence for the Uruguay national team. Marianucci can provide cover in both the central and right-sided positions.
Options in midfield and attack
A three-man defence could allow Napoli to use either a traditional 3-5-2 or a 3-4-2-1, offering greater support to the creative players behind Hojlund.
Politano and Di Lorenzo are options on the right. Spinazzola is expected to return to full training next week, while Oliveira could also operate on the left.
In midfield, Gilmour, Lobotka and Cajuste can feature while McTominay continues his recovery and the team awaits Anguissa’s return. Vergara is another possible central midfield option.
Neres and Noah Lang could play behind Hojlund as attacking midfielders in a 3-4-2-1 or as supporting forwards in a 3-5-2. Giacomo Raspadori is another alternative to the Dane.
