Conte: ‘A German team learned the Italian Catenaccio’

Antonio Conte feels Eintracht Frankfurt ‘learned the Italian Catenaccio’ as the Germans held Napoli to a 0-0 Champions League draw at the Stadio Maradona.

Conte commented on Napoli’s goalless stalemate against Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League Round 4 on Tuesday. The Partenopei now have four points in the standings.

“A German team learned the Italian Catenaccio. Let’s say they were a bit too cautious,” Conte told Sky via TMW.

“People talk about attacking football, European football, and we respect everyone. Had we played the same way in Germany, they would have spoken about old football, Catenaccio and counter-attacks. There’s maximum respect. Let’s say we are good teachers anyway. We are trying to go forward at a footballing level and offer something European, dominating the game and making an important impression.”

It’s Napoli’s second consecutive 0-0 draw as they had collected the same result in Serie A against Como this past Saturday.

Once again, Conte argued that a busier fixture list compared to last season is affecting the team, who need to adapt to a new routine.

Napoli host Eintracht without several players: Romelu Lukaku, Alex Meret, Kevin De Bruyne, Leonardo Spinazzola and Billy Gilmour were injured, Lorenzo Lucca was suspended, Luca Marianucci and Pasquale Mazzocchi are not part of Napoli’s UEFA squad.

“We had some big chances in my opinion, but I can’t blame the lads for the spirit and commitment they put in. We are ending a seven-game cycle, trying to invent new solutions as well,” Conte continued.

“We must all understand that it’s more difficult for the footballers, for the doctors and for me to prepare for one game every three days. There are injuries and problems that we are facing in the best way. It’s not fair to mention those who are absent. I think the lads are still doing very well.

“The boys have absorbed the De Bruyne blow, we are struggling on numerical terms because today we didn’t have many options in midfield. We had to find a solution with Elmas. We have to face a new situation this season, not just on the pitch, but especially off the field. The footballers don’t train the same way, so we must manage them in the best way, under every aspect.”

I think the lads have given their all. I saw important chances and an improvement in the second half. I think of chances for McTominay and Hojlund. Had we scored, we would have won 3-0, and it would have been a great Napoli performance. We have the ambition to grow and gain experience this season because the are more games than last season. You can be ambitious, but there’s a path to follow.”

Napoli will face Qarabag, Benfica, Copenhagen and Chelsea in the last four Champions League games in the league phase.