As Napoli gear up for their upcoming match against Udinese, head coach Antonio Conte addressed the media in a pre-match press conference, reflecting on recent challenges and the importance of resilience. After suffering back-to-back defeats to Lazio—first in the Coppa Italia and then in Serie A—Napoli finds itself needing to regain momentum in their quest for silverware.
Conte began by discussing the impact of the recent losses. “What have they left us? Zero points and elimination from the Coppa Italia. More than this, they cannot leave us. We always restart in the same way: by working, working, and working,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a strong work ethic moving forward. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress over the past five months, noting, “I am happy with what we have done during these five months. The energy created with the fans is significant, and there are certainly positive aspects. However, it’s clear that everything can be improved.”
Turning his attention to individual players and team growth, Conte remarked, “Napoli must continue to grow. Even setbacks should help us strengthen this mentality.” He acknowledged that the recent defeats could serve as a learning experience for his squad. “Every fall must reinforce us; we need to learn from these moments and come back stronger,” he added.
Conte praised Udinese’s capabilities, acknowledging their strong start to the season despite experiencing a dip in form recently. “They started very strong but then had a slowdown. They are physically very strong. They are definitely a very good team,” he said, highlighting the challenge that Udinese will pose for his players.
As he concluded his remarks, Conte stressed the importance of approach and intensity in their upcoming match. “The approach is important, but so is maintaining the right intensity and focus throughout the game, as well as the desire to dominate our opponent,” he explained. “The match is decided over 90 minutes during which we must be better than our opponent.”
Conte also reflected on his expectations for his players: “I want to see determination and a willingness to fight for every ball. We need to show that we are not just here to play; we are here to win.” With Napoli’s recent form raising concerns among fans, he emphasized that this match represents an opportunity for redemption. “This is our chance to turn things around and show our true potential,” he asserted.
As Napoli prepares for this crucial encounter against Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium, both teams will be eager to secure vital points. With Conte’s experience and tactical acumen, Napoli will aim to bounce back from their recent setbacks and re-establish themselves as serious contenders in Serie A.
The match promises to be an intense battle as both teams strive for victory. Conte’s focus on resilience and improvement will be key as Napoli looks to navigate this challenging period and return to winning ways against a determined Udinese side. “We must go out there with confidence and belief in ourselves,” he concluded, setting the tone for what lies ahead.
