Antonio Conte has admitted that Napoli’s “worrying” second-half performance against Hellas Verona last weekend brought out old skeletons from last season, but insists he is happy with his players’ commitment in training and is confident results will turn around.
The Partenopei coach was speaking at his usual pre-match press conference ahead of Bologna’s Serie A visit on Sunday.
Napoli suffered a 3-0 defeat to Verona last week, but Conte is nevertheless encouraged by their first-half performance and what he saw behind the scenes in training.
Napoli could also call on Alessandro Buongiorno and David Neres for Sunday’s match against Bologna, but it is not yet guaranteed that either of them will be in the starting lineup.
Conte also made it clear that he was not prepared to answer questions about Napoli’s ongoing dealings in the transfer market as he would rather concentrate on Sunday’s game against Bologna.
No transfer deals on the agenda
The first question Conte had to ask himself concerned the situation of the centre-forward at Napoli.
He replied: “Let’s get straight to the point. Last week we had a press conference where we only talked about the transfer market. I didn’t get a single question about Verona, maybe one, but we didn’t talk about football and what happened.”
“I want to talk about Bologna. As you know, it’s a big game. You know what they did last year. Let’s concentrate on the game, that’s more important to me.”
Conte on the defeat against Verona and what to expect from Bologna
After setting the agenda, Conte then analysed his team’s 3-0 defeat to Verona last weekend.
“The game against Verona has to be divided into two parts. In the first half, Napoli played like Napoli, we had the upper hand. They never had a shot and we created chances but couldn’t score.”
“It looked a little bit like we were trying, but in the second half everything was different. It seemed like we were back to last year, not how it should be on opening day.
“The second half was disturbing, it brought old skeletons back to life and it’s inevitable to be disappointed at the end of a game like that. That second half set everyone back, even the fans. I thought we would put some things behind us but they resurfaced.”
However, Conte is confident that Napoli will work hard to correct their mistakes against Verona.
“We have worked hard and we will continue to work hard tomorrow, as we have done before. I am not worried about the way we work. I am glad that they have become more aware of what happened and I am convinced that they will be the first to want to avoid a repetition of certain situations.”
“I have their commitment and I am very happy. The base is solid, I know that. They are professionals who care about Naples. I have faith in them and they have faith in me. We have to have faith in the work and in these guys, they are important parts of our foundation.”
Of Sunday’s opponents Bologna, Conte said: “They have an optimal squad, are in the Champions League and are 15 points ahead of us. The last time they were at the Maradona they won and will give us a tough test. They are a physical, intense team with strong wingers in one-on-one and on the counterattack.”
“We have to be careful. It’s a game that has to be played at 110%. The boys have to have confidence, everyone needs that. I understand the difficulties, the second half in Verona can leave scars, but we don’t have time for that on the pitch or in the stands.
“We have an important game ahead of us, three points, and we all have to make a statement.”
Updates on Buongiorno and Neres
Regarding possible new additions to the starting eleven, Conte said: “Buongiorno is training, we evaluate him every day, for us he is an important player. You have already seen the impact he has had during his time here, we hope he recovers.”
And about new signing David Neres he said: “He has a lot of quality and creativity, is good at attacking spaces and providing assists and goals.
“He can play in the Politano and Kvara positions, that’s his best position. We got him after a good but long advertising phase. We are happy, he needs time to fit into our system, but he is a good boy and he will come with us to Bologna and we will see.”
