After an eventful first 100 days in command of Napoli, Antonio Conte says arduous work is his first requirement forward of the Partenopei’s journey to Cagliari on Sunday.
Conte endured a troublesome begin to his Napoli profession, overseeing a heavy 3-0 defeat to Verona on the opening matchday of the Serie A season.
Nevertheless, victories over Bologna (3-0) and Parma (2-1) have Napoli wanting up, and so they might now win three straight league video games beneath a single head coach for the primary time since February 2023 – once they went on to win the Scudetto beneath Luciano Spalletti (eight in a row).
On the finish of a tumultuous interval that additionally noticed Victor Osimhen depart for Galatasaray on mortgage and Romelu Lukaku be a part of as his alternative, Conte feels the foundations have been laid for future success.
Talking at Friday’s pre-match press convention, Conte stated: “We labored not solely on the pitch, but additionally so much off it. We needed to work and we labored arduous.
“I’m glad, these 100 days have given us a path. I do know what awaits me, the expectations on me, however my solely weapon is figure.”
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Having gained league titles at Juventus, Inter and Chelsea, Conte is aware of expectations across the Partenopei have been heightened by his arrival.
“I carry a whole lot of stress with me. Having gained previously, folks add one and one and get two, and anticipate this regardless,” Conte stated.
“It’s a duty, I don’t shirk from it, however I reside it in a serene means. I anticipate continuity of efficiency and outcomes, and continuity from the squad.”
Conte additionally hailed the influence of Lukaku, who got here off the bench to attain a late purpose of their victory over Parma forward of the worldwide break, simply two days after his arrival.
“He used the worldwide break to attempt to get in full swing on a bodily and tactical degree. There was nice dedication, he additionally got here in throughout his free time,” he stated of the striker.
“He’s bettering in every thing and we’ll see, there are nonetheless two coaching classes after which I’ll resolve if he’ll begin.”