Conte: "With games every 3 days, we can't always start the same XI" | OneFootball

Napoli defeats Cagliari in the Round of 16 of the Coppa Italia and secures a spot in the quarterfinals, where they will face the winner between Fiorentina and Como. In the first half, the Azzurri took the lead with Lucca, only to be caught up in the second half by a lucky goal from Esposito. In the end, penalties were decisive, with Buongiorno scoring the final penalty after Luvumbo's miss.

Napoli, Conte’s words after the victory against Cagliari in the Coppa Italia

Antonio Conte’s comments after advancing in the Coppa Italia against Cagliari, a match that ended after an endless series of penalties.

On the very long penalty shootout

“It was an endless series; even last year against Modena we went through on penalties. This one was much tougher, because all the players did very well and it was difficult for the goalkeepers. In the end, the team that deserved it most went through. It’s a shame about the goal from McTominay’s unintentional and lucky touch. We’re happy, there were good responses from everyone. We know we don’t have many players, but we have to keep going and make a virtue out of necessity. I’m pleased with everyone’s commitment. There was great energy, some who play less dropped off a bit but that’s understandable. After the equalizer, we had three important chances where Caprile did well. Now we have to recover and prepare for the next match.”

On squad rotation

“Sometimes, looking ahead, you’re forced to make certain decisions. We did it against Lazio too, we needed to see some players from the start. We play every three days and can’t always use the same ones. I’m happy with the responses I got, we know we’ll have to suffer. We all have to keep doing what we’re doing, with great responsibility from everyone. I’m pleased about that.”

On Lucca

“His performance was like the others’, he scored a goal. He needs to keep working hard and with purpose to try to improve and be a good alternative.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.