Antonio Conte praised Napoli after the win over AC Milan, saying the team will fight to defend the Serie A title despite injuries and Inter’s lead.
Antonio Conte described Napoli as extraordinary after their hard-fought win over AC Milan, insisting the team will continue to fight to defend their Serie A title despite a difficult injury crisis.
The match represented a crucial battle for second place and an opportunity to keep pressure on leaders Inter Milan, but Napoli’s preparations were disrupted when Rasmus Højlund fell ill overnight. With several key players sidelined, Conte handed January signing Giovane his first start in a makeshift centre-forward role.
Despite the setbacks, the decisive moment came late in the game. Substitute Matteo Politano volleyed home in the 79th minute after a defensive error, securing a vital victory that lifted Napoli into second place.
Conte praised his squad’s resilience, highlighting how the team managed to remain competitive despite numerous absences. He emphasized that staying near the top of the table during such a difficult period was an impressive achievement and credited fringe players for stepping up when needed.
The manager also explained how Højlund’s illness forced last-minute tactical adjustments. Conte said the striker had a fever and was vomiting, meaning plans had to change quickly, but he was pleased with how Giovane responded in unfamiliar circumstances.
Conte took time to acknowledge players who filled gaps throughout the season, noting their contributions during what he described as a tragic sporting situation. With several injured players now close to returning, he believes the squad will benefit from improved rotation options.
Politano’s impact off the bench did not surprise Conte, who revealed he had predicted the winger could make the difference against a tiring Milan side. He also praised other substitutes, underlining the importance of squad depth in a demanding title race.
The win leaves Napoli seven points behind Inter with seven games remaining. Conte admitted the title race remains difficult but insisted his team will push until the end, aiming to secure a UEFA Champions League spot while continuing their unlikely bid to defend the Scudetto.
