In preparation for tomorrow’s match against Fiorentina, Napoli head coach Antonio Conte held a press conference at the Castel Volturno technical center to answer questions from the media.
Conte revealed that both Matteo Politano and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will be absent from the squad for the upcoming match. He explained, “It’s been a week with some setbacks. Politano isn’t the only one missing, as Kvaratskhelia is out too.” The coach emphasized that such unforeseen circumstances, big or small, are part of every football season, and the team has been adept at coping with them so far.
When asked about potential solutions to cover for the absent players, Conte mentioned Leonardo Spinazzola as a possible option. “He started as a winger and is very good in the offensive phase. At Juventus, he was a winger before transforming into an offensive wing-back. He has important technical qualities and could be an option at this moment,” Conte stated.
Addressing Napoli’s current situation, Conte expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. “We’re happy with what we’re doing. We’ve worked hard and must continue like this,” he said. The coach emphasized the importance of focusing on their own game rather than trying to put pressure on other teams.
Conte showed respect for their upcoming opponents, praising Fiorentina’s performance this season. “We respect them because they’re doing very well. They have excellent players and are the team with the highest speed peaks during the match,” he noted. However, he also stressed that Napoli should not fear anyone and must play their own game.
The coach highlighted the importance of teamwork, especially in light of the current absences. “We have 41 points thanks to all the players. In this journey, everyone has contributed more or less, and that’s the most important thing,” Conte stated. He emphasized that his teams never depend on just one or two players, and the collective effort is crucial to overcome absences.
When questioned about expectations, Conte appeared slightly frustrated, saying, “We have 41 points. I don’t know what you were expecting, what you were hoping for. Sometimes I wonder. The boys are going beyond their capabilities, beyond the most optimistic predictions. What more can we ask of these guys?”
