Napoli secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Como, with goals from Scott McTominay, Romelu Lukaku, and David Neres, while Gabriel Strefezza scored for the visitors. The win solidifies Napoli’s position at the top of the Serie A table, maintaining a 4-point lead over Juventus, albeit having played one more game. Napoli’s manager, Antonio Conte, shared his thoughts on the team’s performance in a post-match interview.
Conte expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We did our duty. If at the beginning of the year someone had asked me to have such a performance, it would have been difficult to think that all this could happen. However, I think we have done well, and this is the result of the hard work we are doing, the availability of these players, and our desire to work.”
The manager highlighted the importance of meeting expectations in Naples, saying, “We know there is a lot of expectation in this beautiful and important place, and we want to give them good matches.”
Conte was particularly impressed with David Neres’ impact as a substitute, praising his performance and noting how it raises the overall level of competition within the squad. He emphasized the importance of this internal competition, stating, “When there are these things, they give me reason for satisfaction and joy. Everyone, even those who start in the initial formation, knows that there is competition and the level rises. This increases attention, desire, and determination.”
The Napoli boss also commended Matteo Politano’s growth, expressing surprise at his improved maturity and tactical awareness compared to their time together at Inter. Conte noted Politano’s technical qualities and physical condition as key factors in his performance.
Regarding squad management, Conte expressed his satisfaction with the depth of his team, mentioning the progress of players like Neres, Ngonge, and Gilmour. He acknowledged the challenge of selecting the starting lineup, saying, “Before the match, I get a headache thinking about the changes and who deserves more space. However, I am pleased to see that whoever plays knows they have to give their best because there are players behind them who deserve to take the field.”
