Summary of "How Conte Conquered Serie A Again" – The Athletic FC Podcast

Release Date: May 27, 2025
Host: Alex Napoli
Guest: James Horncastle, Athletic’s Italian Football Correspondent

Introduction

In the latest episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Alex Napoli delves deep into Antonio Conte's remarkable achievement of securing a second Scudetto for Napoli in just three years. Joined by James Horncastle, the discussion navigates through Napoli’s strategic triumph over Inter Milan, the pivotal role of Scott McTominay, and the broader implications for Italian football.

The Serie A Title Race

Alex Napoli opens the conversation by highlighting the dramatic conclusion of the Serie A title race, where Napoli edged out Inter Milan on the final day. The discussion centers on how Napoli managed to outperform a Champions League finalist like Inter, especially after Inter faced challenges losing their two best players.

"They tried to win every competition and yeah, that means that 19 games is essentially another half season on top of a full season. And it's unsurprising... that they were still able to take the title down to the final day."
– James Horncastle [04:11]

Antonio Conte's Impact

James Horncastle elaborates on Antonio Conte's strategic brilliance, comparing his successful stints at Juventus and Chelsea to his current triumph with Napoli. Conte's ability to adapt to different leagues and his transformational impact on teams are underscored.

"In Naples, he understands exactly who McTominay is as a player and how he was going to play him... This is his third league title in Italy. Only Fabio Capello had done that."
– James Horncastle [17:44]

Napoli’s Defensive Prowess

A key factor in Napoli's success has been their formidable defense, conceding only 27 goals in 38 games—the best in the division by a significant margin. This defensive solidity combined with strategic goal-scoring makes Napoli a well-rounded and lethal team.

"Activated defense simply allowed them to focus on the league... putting the title back into their hands." [06:31]

Scott McTominay's Role

A standout player for Napoli this season has been Scott McTominay, whose crucial goal against Caglieri was instrumental in securing the title. His transformation from a Manchester United midfielder to a Serie A MVP at Napoli exemplifies Conte's knack for maximizing player potential.

"He's been awarded Serie A MVP in his first season at the club after signing from Manchester United in the summer. 12 goals and 4 assists."
– Alex Napoli [12:10]

McTominay discusses his evolution as a player, shifting from a defensive midfielder at Man United to a more attacking role at Napoli.

"I was being used as more of a defensive player, center back, central like a six. And that's not really my game... I began to score more goals."
– Scott McTominay [16:29]

Comparison with Other Coaches and Clubs

The podcast draws parallels between Conte's success and that of other top managers like Pep Guardiola at Man City, Jose Mourinho at Man United, and Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool. Conte's ability to compete with and often outperform these coaching giants highlights his exceptional tactical acumen.

"Conte's understanding of what he needs and how to make a winning team function again just kind of separates him from so many coaches and puts him really in the very highest bracket that there is."
– James Horncastle [22:24]

Influence of Scottish Players in Serie A

A notable trend discussed is the rising influence of Scottish players in Serie A, exemplified by Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour. Their successful integration into Italian football underscores a broader cultural and tactical adaptability within the league.

"Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour don't live too far away from each other... Both have the same chef, so they're both loving the tomatoes as well."
– Alex Napoli [26:34]

James Horncastle highlights pioneers like Liam Henderson and Lewis Ferguson, whose success has paved the way for more Scottish talent to flourish in Italy.

"Liam Henderson... encouraged clubs to scout more in Scotland and bring more Scottish players over."
– James Horncastle [29:07]

Bologna’s Triumph and Scottish Influence

The episode also celebrates Bologna's historic Coppa Italia win, ending a 51-year trophy drought. The success is partly attributed to the influence of Scottish players and the strategic decisions by their sporting director, inspired by Atalanta's model.

"Lewis Ferguson... was part of the Bologna team that won the Coppa Italia final against Milan... a first trophy since 1974."
– Alex Napoli [32:24]

Conclusion: The Future of Italian Football

Wrapping up, Alex Napoli and James Horncastle reflect on the positive trajectory of Italian football, driven by astute management, tactical innovation, and the successful integration of international talent. Antonio Conte's achievements with Napoli not only reinforce his reputation but also signify a vibrant, competitive era for Serie A.

"Antonio's footballing IQ... just puts him in that very highest bracket that there is."
– James Horncastle [22:24]

James Horncastle emphasizes the maturity and completeness of Inter's squad, noting their formidable run to the Champions League final as a testament to Italian football's resilience and competitiveness.

"Inter's Champions League run... shows how mature and how complete this team is."
– James Horncastle [35:05]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• James Horncastle on Inter's season and Roberto's strategy:
  "We played 19 more games this season than Napoli... It's actually testament to them that they were still able to take the title down to the final day."
  [04:11]

• Scott McTominay on his positional evolution:
  "I was being used as more of a defensive player... But I began to score more goals."
  [16:29]

• James Horncastle on Antonio Conte's coaching prowess:
  "There are very few coaches on the planet who can match him... just puts him in that very highest bracket."
  [17:44] & [22:24]

• Alex Napoli on the rising Scottish influence in Serie A:
  "Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour... they're all both loving the tomatoes as well."
  [26:34]

• James Horncastle on Bologna's Coppa Italia win:
  "Lewis Ferguson... was part of the Bologna team that won the Coppa Italia... first trophy since 1974."
  [32:24]

Key Takeaways

• Antonio Conte's strategic mastery continues to redefine team dynamics, leading Napoli to their second Serie A title in three years.
• Napoli's defensive strength, combined with tactical goal-scoring, underscores their championship-winning formula.
• Scott McTominay's transformation at Napoli exemplifies effective player utilization and adaptation under Conte's guidance.
• The increasing presence of Scottish players in Serie A highlights the league's growing international appeal and adaptability.
• Bologna's historic Coppa Italia victory marks a significant milestone, influenced by strategic leadership and the integration of international talent.
• Italian football is experiencing a renaissance, driven by tactical innovations, comprehensive player development, and a competitive spirit.

For more in-depth analysis and the latest updates on Italian football, stay tuned to The Athletic FC Podcast.