Conte: ‘Napoli showing great signs, what we need is there for all to see’

Antonio Conte believes that his Napoli side are showing ‘great signs’ after a 2-0 victory away against Lazio in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, but was less pleased when it came to answering questions on potential transfer dealings: ‘Last year I said let’s not do too much, then we sold Kvaratskhelia’.

The Partenopei lifted themselves back into second place in the Serie A standings on Sunday thanks to goals from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani in an eventual 2-0 win away against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. This was Conte’s first ever competitive victory against Maurizio Sarri. 

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog. 

Speaking to DAZN after full-time, Conte gave a brief update on David Neres, who was forced off with a freak injury in the 70th minute in the capital. 

“For Neres, we’ll have to wait for tomorrow’s tests. It’s not a muscular thing. We hope it’s nothing serious, we’ve faced a lot of injuries for a long time,” Conte confirmed. 

And then focussing on the match itself, Conte said: “I have to congratulate the lads, playing with this level of technical ability and physical strength without letting Lazio play is not easy. We played a game of a very high level of quality.” 

Napoli were particularly dangerous on their right flank, and Conte was asked about his tactical approach after full-time. 

“When you have time to properly prepare for matches, you try to get the most out of your players and look for the areas where you can hurt the opposition. The application was exceptional,” he said. 

“Maybe we’re lacking a bit of selfishness because we’re creating so much, but I’m really happy given what’s happened to us with all the injuries and absences. 

“We’re showing great signs, the victories are coming against great teams who play with quality. Now we have to play every three days without much of a chance to rotate. We hope that we don’t have to pay for constantly using the same players.” 

Lastly, Conte was asked about Napoli’s potential dealings in the January transfer window, but admitted that he does not like talking about incomings or outgoings, particularly after last year. 

“I don’t touch on these topics. Last year I said let’s not do too much, and then we sold Kvaratskhelia,” Conte recalled. 

“What we need is there for all to see. I have to be the coach and make the most out of what is given to me. I know that the demand on me is always very high. Along with the guys, we will try to do our best.”