FM23 Napoli Tactics | Best of Luciano Spalleti FM23

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Now on the current FM23 Napoli tactics replica. In my previous tactic about Napoli’s style of play, which was in FM22, Spalleti was using a 4-2-3-1 tactic. Click here to read about it. But currently, the side is more comfortable with a 4-3-3, which proves to be more effective as Napoli is leading the Serie A – 8 points clear the second-placed AC Milan after 15 matches plus they remain unbeaten in the league.

Therefore in the post, I will focus on the 4-3-3 tactic of Spalleti and its replica in FM23. The FM23 replica of this tactic is equally very successful in the game as my side is equally leading the table, 7 points clear of the second-placed AC Milan. With no further ado let’s get into the details of the tactic, shall we?

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FM23 Napoli Tactics | Tactical Setups

In Possession

Napoli starts off play mainly from behind but the goalkeeper, Meret has the green light to go direct when the defenders are under pressure. When they play out from the back, the two central defenders provide the goalkeeper with a width inside the box while the fullbacks, Olivera and Lorenzo spread wide but tuck inside when the ball advances to the midfield. Lobotka will drop deep closer to the box to provide a numerical advantage against the opponents, and sometimes Anguissa joins him.

Spalleti’s Napoli is a possession-holding team with their shorter passing approach but at a standard tempo which means they can decide to be quick or patient while circulating the ball. Unlike the previous tactic, Napoli now prefers to play through the sides of the pitch than the middle and they do stretch the opposition’s defence with their wider attacking width.

In Transitions

In transitions, the players tack important positions. The fullbacks will tuck inside when the wingers spread wide but spread wide when the wingers are inside the box but not always the case with Lozano as the right winger as he mostly stays wide thus making space for Lorenzo to tuck inside. The picture highlights their attacking positioning while in transition.

In the final third, Napoli’s men can use any available options to get the ball in the back of the net which can be hitting early crosses, shooting at a distance or patiently working the ball into the box. Furthermore, Spalleti’s side has the green light to hit counterattacks when the opportunity presents itself during the break and I think their counter-attacking skills have improved better than last season. They still apply counter press to win back the ball quickly in the opponent’s half.

Out of Possession

The Parthenopeans defend in a 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 shape. They equally protected their central areas by sitting compact which means trapping outside in FM23, this eventually forces the opponents outside. Furthermore, the defenders do step up the defensive line to compress the opponent’s half, leaving the opposition little room to play and trap opponents in an offside position.

In the pressing strategy, Napoli’s pressing is very intense, the front three which are usually Kvaratskheila, Osimhen, Politano/Lozano always start the press at the highest possible intensity. They equally employ a higher line of engagement and a higher defensive line, plus they tend to press to close down the goalkeeper’s short distribution which tends to force him to kick the ball directly.

Luciano Spalleti FM23 | Formation Lineup

FM23 Napoli Tactics | Role Selections

GK

The goalkeeper, Meret is a sweeper keeper on support duty.

CDs

The central defenders are both ball-playing defenders both on defence duties respectively. Kim Min-Jae and Rrahmani did boss the positions during the start of the season but since Rrahmani got injured, Jesus and Ostigard have stepped in so far. The central defenders will start within the defensive line to close down attackers and stop the ball from getting into the box.

FBs

On the left fullback position, Rui and Olivera have had a fair amount of play so far this season but I think Olivera is preferred in big game matches, especially in the UCL. They are both inverted wing-back on support duties. They will tuck inside when the team steps up to attack and the two can be creative when it matters – which is why I enabled them to take more risks.

Lorenzo on the other hand is untouchable at the right back position but I use Zanoli in his absence. Lorenzo is equally an inverted wing-back on support duty and can be creative as well.

DM

Lobotka as the deepest midfielder is a deep-lying playmaker on defence duty. Spalleti wants him to bring control and creativity at midfield, circulating the ball side to side and equally closing down the opponents.

CMs

The central midfielders, Zielinski and Anguissa are the preferred duos for these positions.

Anguissa is a physical box-to-box midfielder that will always get forward during attacks, surging into the box to see the end of the attack. With the ball, Angussia usually runs wide with the ball. In defensive situations, he tracks back to protect the defensive line.

On the other hand, Zielinski is an attacking mezzala. He frequently gets into the box to attack the box, mainly operates in half-spaces and tends to move into channels oftentimes. Ndombele is equally a mezzala but on support duty because he is more defensive-conscious than Zielinski.

Ws

Kvaratskheila, who has been an unbelievable player so far this season is an inside forward on support duty. He usually drifts inside and runs toward the central defenders, to shoot at a distance or create a scoring opportunity.

On the right, Politano is an inverted winger on support duty. He will cut inside while overloading a retreating defender and creating space for the fullback to exploit. However, Lozano is a winger on support duty. He will stay wide, hugging the touchline, looking to beat his marker and cross the ball.

CFs

Victor Osimhen is the main NO. 9 but when he was injured Raspadori stepped in and then Simeone in some cases. Osimhen is an advanced forward. He is keen to run behind the defence and attack the ball, his great pace and off-the-ball movement enable him to carry out this role effectively.

Raspadori is a false-9. He has the intelligence to drop from his position, drawing a defender with him thereby opening space and he has a good passing ability to pick up the teammate running into the space. Simeone on the other hand is a poacher. He is usually introduced when the team needs to get a winning or equalising goal. His duty is to poach goals.