Antonio Conte, Napoli`s manager, has pointed out that his team is finding it challenging to cope with the pressures of participating in both domestic and European competitions. Following Napoli`s narrow 3-2 victory over Pisa, Conte emphasized that unlike more established clubs, Napoli is not accustomed to the strain of playing multiple important matches each week.
The match against Pisa proved to be a difficult encounter for Napoli, who managed to secure a win with goals from Billy Gilmour, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Lorenzo Lucca. However, a late goal by Pisa`s Lorran, capitalizing on a mistake by Giovanni Di Lorenzo, led to a tense finish.
Conte expressed satisfaction with the team`s four consecutive wins but acknowledged the challenges ahead. He stated, “We are pleased to have started with four victories, but this will be a very competitive season. Unlike other clubs, we don`t have a squad that is well-versed in juggling Serie A, Champions League, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa Italiana commitments.”
The coach highlighted the recent influx of new players and the added pressure of being the reigning champions. “We`ve had to expand our squad with players from diverse backgrounds. Wearing the Scudetto symbol brings immense expectations,” Conte explained.
Conte also addressed the misconception about Napoli`s transfer activities, stating, “I keep hearing that Napoli had a great transfer window, but signing many players doesn`t necessarily equate to a successful market strategy.”
Despite these challenges, Napoli currently leads Serie A with a perfect record after four rounds. However, Conte warns that the physical and mental demands of frequent high-stakes matches will be a new experience for many of his players.
The coach concluded by noting a shift in tactical approaches across football, including at top clubs like Manchester City. “Even a coach like Guardiola now recognizes when his team needs to focus on defending and securing results,” Conte observed, indicating a broader trend in modern football tactics.