π In-depth analysis
βͺοΈπ΅ Atalanta's high pressing structure vs Napoli's vertical build-up
How did Spalletti adapt to Gasperini's plan ?
π§΅
βͺοΈπ΅ Atalanta's high pressing structure vs Napoli's vertical build-up
How did Spalletti adapt to Gasperini's plan ?
π§΅
I. ATALANTA PRESSING STRUCTURE
We all know Napoli has a direct build-up, without attracting opponent's press. However, for this game, Napoli surprisingly took time to build-up, easing out Atalanta's pressing phase. First part was to block Lobotka's activity (receiving 1st pass).
We all know Napoli has a direct build-up, without attracting opponent's press. However, for this game, Napoli surprisingly took time to build-up, easing out Atalanta's pressing phase. First part was to block Lobotka's activity (receiving 1st pass).
That triangle shape (Pasalic-Lookman-Hojlund) was supported by a another line of pressure, with short distances to avoid short passes from Napoli's midfielders. This structure blocked well Napoli's asymetrical midfield, Pasalic man-marking the lowest midfielder (here Anguissa).
That was the first part. The second phase of pressing structure responded to Napoli's intentions to pass the ball laterally and then find vertical options. Wingbacks had to press high Napoli's fullbacks, while one of the two midfielders man-marked midfielder.
On the other channel, same process : to accompany offensive triangle, Hateboer/Toloi-Koopmeiners prevented any lateral pass for Olivera and Zielinski. It forced Napoli, as they didn't manage to find Lobotka/Anguissa easily, to play long balls from the defense.
That's why Napoli was forced to involve Meret in first phase of build-up to be in numerical superiority (4V3). As you can see, Atalanta had a precise strategy, preparing all steps of the pressing phase before the first pass (Koopmeiners-Hateboer positioning).
Not finding Lobotka in first phase of build-up was difficult to handle for Napoli, making vertical options more difficult. Pasalic fulfilled his (fundamental) mission to man-mark the central player. Excellent out of possession work.
Therefore, Napoli multiplied long balls to escape from that high line of pressure. However, as soon as they managed to end up in a mid block situation, Spalletti's vertical build-up has flourished again. We will see why.
II. NAPOLI'S VERTICAL BUILD-UP
Napoli's asymmetric midfield structure incites vertical passes. Zielinski attracting pressure, and Elmas moves allowed Lobotka to do vertical passes (and break Atalanta's pressing). Articulations between Napoli's midfielders are unpredictable.
Napoli's asymmetric midfield structure incites vertical passes. Zielinski attracting pressure, and Elmas moves allowed Lobotka to do vertical passes (and break Atalanta's pressing). Articulations between Napoli's midfielders are unpredictable.
Without Kvaratskhelia, we can see Spalletti's offensive patterns didn't change : M.Olivera as inverted fullback while Elmas sticked the left channel (wide positioning). Zielinski's moves in haflspaces have been brilliant to receive vertical passes and catalyze build-up.
Olivera's inverted fullback role had a significant impact on Napoli's vertical build-up. Thanks to his runs, Napoli exploited spaces behind Atalanta's high block and ended up in numerical superiority in dangerous zone (central).
Atalanta frequently let more space on the left channel, relying on recovering the ball in central spaces due to its pressing structure. However, vertical combinations between Lobotka, Anguissa and Zielinski dismantled Atalanta's pressing and let left channel free.
I always said Di Lorenzo should be constantly man-marked, given his deadly diagonal passes. This huge advantage gives to Spalletti squad many possibilities to attack central defense. Something that Elmas did frequently yesterday.
Whether it's for the first phase of build-up or mid-block situation, Napoli's vertical build-up was implemented to first, bypass that impressive pressing structure, and second, to find alternatives given Lobotka's difficult positioning.
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