4) A very direct Chelsea
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Given Conte’s style of play, it’s rather a surprise that he hasn’t been courted by Premier League sides earlier. Of course, the Italian’s success with Juventus did make it difficult to pry him away, but surely a bumper pay packet would have worked it’s charm?
As mentioned earlier, Conte loves to play 4-3-3 and 3-5-2, although the latter system is what earned him the most success with Juventus. However, what’s most typical of his teams is a high-pressing style, which begins from the frontline itself. Conte has tweaked his setup to a back four for Italy, although it has meant that Italy have struggled to score while boasting a rock-solid defence.
That rock-solid defence is what Conte will first seek to establish, only then introducing the high-press, which will require his midfielders to win the ball early and recycle the balls to the wings immediately. Some of the most important members of Conte’s teams are the wingbacks, and Azpilicueta will thrive in a dual attacking/defending role, although the opposite wing might need outside investment.
A Chelsea based on a solid defence, attacking swiftly down the flanks with tall, powerful strikers profiting in the middle? That sounds very much like Jose Mourinho’s very first vintage of 2004/05, a team that romped to the title with 95 points and were 1 game away from an unbeaten season.
Conte has a tendency of going unbeaten, marshalling Italy's unbeaten run in the qualifiers, while also famously going unbeaten throughout the season with Juventus. The Invincibles might have some competition next year.
