Napoli Nears Serie A Title with Victory over Lecce
Antonio Conte: Cautiously Eyeing History
A Dream Within Reach
Napoli is getting closer to their dream of clinching the Serie A title, following their triumph over Lecce. Although they’re making progress, manager Antonio Conte urges caution and emphasizes the need to stay focused until the end.
Conte’s Winning Legacy
Boasting an impressive track record, Conte has secured league titles with Juventus, Inter Milan, and Chelsea. However, guiding Napoli, who placed 10th last season, to the brink of the Scudetto might just be his most remarkable feat yet.
Keeping Feet on the Ground
“Let’s not discuss things we haven’t achieved yet,” Conte told reporters when asked if this would be his magnum opus. He stressed the importance of experience and valuing each match.
Making History
“Those who win, write history; the rest merely read about it. Nobody will remember us if we finish second,” Conte added.
A Pivotal Win
Napoli’s 1-0 victory at Lecce, Conte’s hometown and the club where he began his playing career, fortified their hold on the top spot. They now lead Inter Milan by six points, who will host Hellas Verona later on Saturday.
Overcoming Hurdles
Despite Lecce’s relegation struggle, Conte was wary of facing a side that recently held Atalanta to a draw. He commended his players for securing the three points, despite ongoing injury concerns.
Injury Setbacks
Defender Alessandro Buongiorno is the latest injury victim and is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a groin injury. Conte acknowledged the challenges but remained hopeful about his team’s resilience.
- Mathias Olivera made his debut as a central defender under Conte
- David Neres, Buongiorno, and Juan Jesus are also sidelined due to injuries
- Stanislav Lobotka sustained an injury during the match, and his recovery is uncertain
“We’re losing pieces, but we’re not giving up,” Conte concluded. “This is the primary quality of this team. We’re in control, and we aim to continue until the end.”
