Conte Confident After Napoli’s Win Over Cagliari: Pressure on Inter, Scudetto Ambitions Remain

Following Napoli’s 1-0 away victory against Cagliari on Matchday 30, head coach Antonio Conte spoke to DAZN about the team’s prospects.

Key Takeaways from Conte’s Comments

Conte stressed that the win had added pressure on the league leaders Inter, while Napoli’s sights remain set on winning the Scudetto.

“We’ve held our own over these seven months; now we need to qualify for the Champions League, but we know other teams want to do the same. No one should stop us from looking ahead; today we’ve put a bit of pressure on those ahead of us.”

Fitness and Squad Availability

He noted that the return of several players is important, but full fitness is crucial. Anguissa and McTominay are not yet at their best, while Kevin (De Bruyne) looked good. Lobotka struggled slightly, and the recovery of Rrahmani and Di Lorenzo is a priority. Conte expressed doubt about Neres’ immediate impact.

Defensive Solidity and Areas for Improvement

The clean sheet – Napoli’s first in 11 games – was highlighted as a positive, with Cagliari failing to register a shot on target. Conte praised the defensive commitment but urged the side to be more clinical in front of goal to convert chances.

Midfield Tactics

When asked about the double playmaker setup, Conte explained that the concept has been in place since his return after the November break, with players able to interchange roles. He acknowledged a possible trade‑off in physicality but said the system creates problems for opponents and will continue to be used.

Overall, Conte conveyed confidence that Napoli can stay in the title race while aiming for Champions League qualification, provided the squad reaches full fitness and improves its finishing.