Incredible record in Italy 

©IMAGO

Napoli’s transformation under Antonio Conte is perhaps no surprise given the Italian’s incredible success in Serie A. But the alacrity of the Neapolitan’s rise under the 48-year-old has perhaps raised a few eyebrows, especially after an alarming 3-0 defeat to Hellas Verona in their league opener. Napoli, however, have responded magnificently and they in second place in Serie A just one point off leaders Inter Milan.

And the top two face each other this weekend in Napoli with the fixture pivotal in the destination of the Scudetto. It’s a three horse title race in Italy with only twelve fixtures remaining and Inter leading third-placed Atalanta by just three points. The incredible scenes around the Diego Maradonna stadium after winning their first title in 33 years in 2022 became a distant memory during a disastrous title defence that witnessed three managerial changes and a 10th place finish. Conte has revitalised the famous club but could the iconic manager make history by winning the Scudetto?

Antonio Conte’s incredible record in Serie A?

Conte is one of the most decorated coaches in Serie A history winning the scudetto four times – three times with Juventus and once with Inter Milan. The former Chelsea boss also won the competition five times as a player but he will make history if he leads Napoli to the title this season. Conte will become the only manager in the history of the top five leagues to win a league title with three different clubs, which would further etch his name into folklore.

As the graphic above illustrates, Conte also comfortably has the best points per game record (2.24) of any coach in Serie A history to have managed over 50 games. Some legendary names feature on the list like Fabio Capello and Carlo Ancelotti but the Napoli manager’s record is easily the best. Moreover, Conte also set the record Serie A points total of 102 with Juventus during the 2013/14 season and that remains the only time a club has surpassed 100 points. Therefore, Conte boasts the best ppg record in a single season too. 

Can Napoli win Serie A this season?

Earlier in the season, Conte repeatedly stressed that Napoli weren’t targeting winning the league this season but that’s ultimately mind-games from the masterful manager. It’s poised to be a thrilling climax to the season and Inter’s European commitments could have a massive impact as they remain in the Champions League. Napoli have benefitted from not being involved in European competition this season, while Atalanta were knocked out by Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off round. 

Napoli’s points per game record of 2.24 is one their best across the last ten seasons and it’s a monumental increase on their points tally last season. Conte has adapted from his preferred 3-5-2 formation to deploy a 4-3-3 with Scott McTominay excelling as an advanced midfielder and Romelu Lukaku thriving again under his favourite boss.