Napoli coach Antonio Conte spoke to DAZN after his team’s 2-1 victory against Fiorentina at the Stadio Maradona, in the 28th matchday of Serie A.
Eleven Warriors on the Field?
“I saw a team that definitely deserved the victory. We could have maximized our chances and managed the end of the game better. We shouldn’t forget that recently we’ve dropped points at the end of matches. That being said, the guys were very good, they created a lot, and we need to be more clinical in front of goal.”
Pushing the Attackers?
“Everyone has their own story. When I speak, I tell the truth. Based on what we create, they need to score many more goals and improve. When you build teams, you can’t overlook anything.”
Functional Lukaku?
“Romelu’s performances are improving. The matches against Inter and today were his best since he arrived at Napoli. He knows he needs to be dominant, and if he is, we have a better chance of winning. He’s in good form now, and we need him, just like everyone else. There are 10 finals left, and we have to give everything. I’ll have to make choices, without favoritism. Whoever is in the best shape plays. The best system will be used. Despite the significant challenges, we are still there. This shows the seriousness of these guys and the work we are doing. We want to be a nuisance until the end.”
Napoli Must Fight Like Conte’s First Juventus?
“There, I saw some weaknesses, and there was a stellar Milan team. Ahead of us, we have a team that has everything and has been built over the years to win. We look at ourselves, there are several objectives to achieve. In 10 games, there’s a whole season to play. We are there, and we must think big. What we have done so far is earned. The fans deserve it; I felt the passion from day one. They have always believed in us, and we are repaying their faith. But from tomorrow, we focus on the next game, which will be very tough.”
Press Conference Statements:
“I am very satisfied with the performance and the team’s response. In a growth process, it’s normal that after creating so much for 60-65 minutes and going 2-0 up, conceding a goal can create excessive anxiety. We need to be good at managing it, calm the situation, and hold onto the ball more, continuing to do things the right way without conceding dangerous situations. The guys did well, I’m happy.”
Did You Suffer Pressure in the Final Minutes?
“We didn’t take big risks, and the victory is deserved for what we created. We converted fewer chances than we produced, and this doesn’t satisfy me because in certain games you dominate the opponent and can’t go into halftime only 1-0 up. One incident is enough, and you can lose points, as happened with Udinese. We must face every game at our best, without unnecessary anxiety. Today, nothing particular happened, but even minimal contact can lead to VAR checks. It wasn’t easy against Fiorentina, but we returned to winning ways. Now, focus on the next challenge against Venezia, which will be even more difficult.”
Response from the Attackers?
“I need to receive responses from the team, not from individuals. If two players play well and the team doesn’t, what kind of response is that? Like against Inter, we played a great game and dominated for long stretches until we got anxious. It shows that even in difficulties, everything else takes a backseat, but if you analyze the situations, you see things happened. The team makes normal what is not normal, I must emphasize this: there are injuries, it’s normal; the best player leaves, it’s normal. The guys are doing a great job finding alternative solutions. Next time, have faith and let me do my job without suggesting playing 4-3-3 or anything else. You win the lottery after it’s drawn. Have faith, it’s a group that has overcome difficulties and continues to do so, giving great responses and patching things up.”
Can the Crowd Be the Extra Element?
“Yes, sincerely, today’s atmosphere moved me. I don’t think it has happened many times, or rather, it has never happened. Today, the impact was really strong, the stands and the terraces. This fills us with happiness. The people of Naples ask for a lot but at the same time give a lot and are giving us a lot. We want to continue giving emotions beyond the results. The fans must be proud of their team. This, for me, would be the most beautiful victory, also for the guys. Thanks from me and the guys to the environment. Today, as always, they pushed us in an extraordinary way. The fans have always believed in us and must continue to believe.”
McTominay?
“He was tired, no problem, it shouldn’t be anything serious.”