Antonio Conte begins his tenure as Napoli boss with a tricky visit to the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi to face Hellas Verona. Both teams are eager to start the campaign on a high note, with Verona looking to improve on a difficult previous season and Napoli aiming to bounce back after a disappointing title defence.
Hellas Verona: Seeking Redemption
Verona finished the last campaign just three points above the relegation zone, which has set the stage for a season of redemption under new manager Paolo Zanetti. The team has made several changes in the offseason and will be eager to demonstrate their improvements.
Verona’s recent form has shown promise, and they will look to capitalize on their home advantage. Key players to watch include Casper Tengstedt, a summer signing from Benfica, who is expected to make an impact with his pace and goal-scoring ability.
Napoli: Aiming for a Fresh Start
Napoli enter this match with high hopes after appointing Conte as their new head coach. The team finished a disappointing tenth last season, which prompted significant changes in management. Conte’s arrival is seen as a pivotal moment for the club, and he will be eager to instil a winning mentality right from the start.
Despite some uncertainty surrounding Victor Osimhen’s future, Napoli boast a talented squad capable of challenging for the top spots in Serie A. Players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano will be crucial in providing creativity and firepower in the attacking third. Napoli’s recent away form has been a concern, but they have historically performed well against Verona, winning their last three league visits to the Bentegodi.
Tactical Battle
Tactically, Verona are expected to adopt a defensive approach, using a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to frustrate Napoli’s attacking players. Zanetti will likely emphasize organization and discipline, hoping to capitalize on any mistakes made by the visitors. On the other hand, Napoli will look to dominate possession using a 3-4-3 setup and create scoring opportunities through quick transitions and wing play.
Predictions
Given Napoli’s strong record against Verona and their desire to start the season positively under Conte, they are the clear favourite to win the match. However, Verona’s home advantage and recent improvements could make this a closely contested game. A predicted scoreline of 2-0 in favour of Napoli reflects their quality and ambition to reclaim their position among Italy’s elite.
