Napoli Beating the Mid-Low Block

Heading across the continent this week to Italy where the focus is on Napoli.

Under Sarri and now Ancelotti, Napoli have proved to be one of the most exciting teams in Europe last few years. 

In this video we feature Sarri’s Napoli from last year playing against a stubborn Lazio who set up in a 532 shape

The goal of the opposition was to play a mid-low block and rely on a set piece or counter to score.

After going behind early on to a set piece Napoli showed their skill and resolve beating the Lazio block in a variety of ways.

Key features in beating the block

• Fast 1-2 touch football

• Switching the ball at speed through diagonals and driven passes

• Knowing when to dribble to commit an opponent and open space

• Striker and wingers dropping to collect to open up 3rd man runs

• Balls over the top when opposition press higher

• Midfield rotation

• Punishing the opponent when given the chance

• Changing the speed of play, slow, short,short, long,fast

The speed at which Napoli play at is frightening and movement exceptional. They know when to speed up and when to slow down and keep. This is outstanding game management. 

Goal threats come from everywhere but the key to beating the block is patience,move opposition, good decision making and Speed.