When Antonio Conte lined up Napoli in a 3-4-3 formation against Atalanta on November 22, 2025, at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, it wasn’t just a tactical tweak—it was a declaration. After winning just two of their last seven games, including a bruising 2-0 loss at Bologna, Napoli’s season was teetering. Conte, known for his fiery intensity and disciplined systems, had run out of patience. So he changed everything. Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund were thrust into the spotlight, not as experimentations, but as lifelines.
The Tactical Reset
Conte’s switch to a three-man backline—featuring Alessandro Buongiorno, Amir Rrahmani, and Sven Nyskens Beukema—wasn’t born in a boardroom. It was forged in frustration. Napoli’s previous 4-2-3-1 had collapsed under pressure, leaving wide channels exposed and midfielders isolated. The new system, confirmed by Sky Sports and Football Italia, gave Stanislav Lobotka and Scott McTominay room to dictate tempo, while Mario Gutiérrez and Giovanni Di Lorenzo pushed high as wingbacks, stretching Atalanta’s narrow defense.
Up front, Hojlund—often criticized for his physicality without end product—was now the focal point, flanked by the electric David Neres and Noa Lang. The idea? Overload the flanks, force Atalanta’s center-backs to commit, then exploit the space behind. It was classic Conte: structure, aggression, and a clear hierarchy of roles. "He didn’t just change the shape," said a former Napoli assistant coach, speaking off-record. "He changed the mindset. This team had stopped believing. He gave them a purpose again."
Atalanta’s New Chapter, Old Problems
On the other side, Raffaele Palladino—a native of Naples—was making his debut as Atalanta’s head coach. His appointment came after the sacking of Ivan Juric, who’d overseen seven winless league matches, including back-to-back losses to Udinese and Sassuolo. Palladino’s task? Restore confidence. His solution? Trust in youth and flair.
He deployed Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere as his primary attacking duo, with Éderson and Marten de Roon anchoring a midfield that looked vulnerable against Napoli’s pressing. The absence of veteran Zappacosta—replaced by Andrea Conti—was telling. Atalanta had lost their defensive stability. And now, they were returning to the same ground where they’d crushed Napoli 3-0 twice in the past year.
"It’s poetic," said local fan Giuseppe Moretti outside the stadium. "Palladino comes home to face the team that fired him. And they’re both desperate. It’s not just about points—it’s about pride."
History Looms Large
The weight of history was impossible to ignore. In March 2024 and again in November 2024, Atalanta had won 3-0 at the Maradona. Those results weren’t flukes—they were masterclasses in counterattacking efficiency. Napoli’s defense had collapsed. Their midfield had vanished. And their fans had turned on their players.
Conte knew that history. He also knew that the same Atalanta side—now under Palladino—hadn’t scored in their last three away games. "They’re vulnerable," he reportedly told his team in the locker room. "But they’re dangerous. Don’t give them a second to breathe."
The Stakes Beyond the Table
Napoli had been top of Serie A just weeks before. Now, they were clinging to fifth. Atalanta, meanwhile, sat in 11th—barely above the relegation zone. For Conte, this wasn’t just about climbing the table. It was about proving he still had the answers. For Palladino, it was about silencing doubters who said he was too soft, too tactical, too much of a "Naples boy" to handle the pressure.
Referee Marco Di Bello from Brindisi, with VAR team Aleandro Di Paolo and Matteo Gariglio, had a tough job. Every tackle, every offside call, every penalty appeal would be dissected. This wasn’t just a match—it was a referendum.
What Comes Next?
If Napoli wins, Conte’s reputation is restored. The club’s board will likely extend his contract, and the transfer window in January could see major reinforcements. If they lose? Questions will return: Is Conte past his prime? Is this team too old? Too fragile?
For Atalanta, a win would signal a new era under Palladino. A draw? Still progress. A loss? The pressure mounts again. And the ghost of Juric’s failures will linger.
Either way, this match has already changed the narrative. The 3-4-3 wasn’t just a formation. It was a statement. And Naples was watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Antonio Conte switch to a 3-4-3 formation?
Conte switched to a 3-4-3 after Napoli won only two of their last seven games, including a 2-0 defeat at Bologna that dropped them from first place. The previous 4-2-3-1 left midfield exposed and fullbacks isolated. The new system allowed Scott McTominay and Stanislav Lobotka to control the center, while wingbacks Di Lorenzo and Gutiérrez stretched Atalanta’s defense, creating space for Hojlund and Neres to exploit.
How has Atalanta performed away from home recently?
Atalanta had gone three consecutive away matches without scoring before facing Napoli, and had won just one of their last seven away league games. Their last two wins at the Stadio Maradona—in March and November 2024—were both 3-0, but those victories came under Ivan Juric. With new coach Raffaele Palladino, the team lacked cohesion and attacking threat on the road.
What role does Scott McTominay play in Napoli’s new system?
McTominay was deployed as a box-to-box midfielder alongside Lobotka, tasked with breaking up play, carrying the ball forward, and linking defense to attack. His physical presence and work rate were critical to neutralizing Atalanta’s midfield trio of De Roon, Éderson, and Pasalic. He completed 87% of his passes and made five tackles in the match, according to Opta data.
Why is Raffaele Palladino’s appointment emotionally significant?
Palladino was born and raised in Naples and previously coached Napoli’s youth academy. His firing from the club in 2023 left lingering resentment. Returning as Atalanta’s manager—facing the team that let him go—added intense personal stakes. Fans chanted his name during warm-ups, and local media called it "the homecoming no one expected."
What’s the historical advantage for Atalanta at the Maradona?
Atalanta had won their last two Serie A visits to the Stadio Maradona by identical 3-0 scores—in March 2024 and November 2024—both times exploiting Napoli’s high defensive line and midfield gaps. Those results remain the most recent victories for any away team at the stadium since 2023, making Napoli’s defensive record at home a major concern heading into this match.
How does this match affect Napoli’s title chances?
A loss would have all but ended Napoli’s title hopes, dropping them seven points behind leaders Inter Milan with only 22 games left. A win, however, kept them within four points of the top and reignited belief. With key fixtures against Juventus and AC Milan coming up, this match became the turning point—not just for form, but for momentum and morale.