Antonio Conte hailed Napoli’s 1‑0 win at Roma as a morale‑boosting “message to ourselves.”
Antonio Conte was visibly thrilled after Napoli edged Roma 1‑0 at the Stadio Olimpico, calling the victory a clear message to the team itself.
David Neres struck the decisive goal on a lightning‑fast counter, his third in two Serie A outings after a brace against Atalanta, and Conte praised the side for showing authority and character in a hostile environment.
The win lifted Napoli to joint‑top of the Serie A table, level with AC Milan and a point ahead of Roma and Inter.
Conte explained that the injury crisis forced a tactical reshuffle, reverting to his trusted 3‑4‑2‑1 formation. “We had to change the system because we’re short of midfielders – Lobotka and McTominay are all we have,” he said.
He also revealed a new personal policy: always taking time off during international breaks to give himself, his family, and the staff a breather. “In England, they gave me time off at Chelsea and Tottenham without even asking. With four months of nonstop games, giving everyone breathing room seems wise,” Conte added, emphasising the relentless pressure of preparing every three days.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis celebrated the win on social media, tagging it as “a great victory for a group led by a real commander!” Conte joked about the tweet, laughing, “Did he mean me?”
Wrapping up, when asked to sum up coaching in one word, Conte was blunt: “I honestly wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, maybe to an enemy… It’s the most inadvisable profession in the world!”
