Napoli coach Antonio Conte previewed the upcoming league match against Parma at the Maradona Stadium in a press conference. The Partenopei boss was buoyed by the news that Belgian striker has joined the club today, joking: “Once Lukaku and McTominay officially become our players, I’ll start talking about them.”
Regarding the team’s performance, Conte expressed satisfaction with the group’s effort: “The players have given their all, even after Verona and with Bologna. We know how much a result can change moods in general. The work group has never been lacking during the week, in anything, which is why I say it with pride: I’m very satisfied with the group, they give me everything.”
Conte emphasized the need for balance and patience in Napoli’s rebuilding process: “Naples must believe and not be carried away by negative or positive moments. We must go in-depth and understand that reconstruction work has begun on a base from which to start again. We’ve made evaluations and are gradually adding elements.”
On the team’s defensive improvements, Conte stated: “When you have to rebuild, you have to start from the basics. The players know that being solid and orderly is the prerequisite for winning.”
Discussing Kvaratskhelia, Conte praised the young player’s potential: “Kvaratskhelia is a good guy who trains very professionally and with the desire to improve. He has his head on his shoulders. He’s 23, he has a life ahead of him to become really important. He has considerable room for improvement.”
Conte also spoke highly of Di Lorenzo: “I insisted on Di Lorenzo. I didn’t know him personally, but I knew the love he had for this team. I really insisted a lot, in the end I’m happy. I tried to make people understand Giovanni’s importance in the locker room.”
Regarding the transfer market, Conte said: “We know we can’t do everything, but we must do the minimum.”
Finally, on Simeone and Raspadori, Conte affirmed: “Giovanni is part of the historical group, he spends and expends himself for Napoli in every situation. Jack can also play in Kvara’s position, but with different characteristics. The goal is important, even for me, but what counts is the work for the team.”
