Napoli-Sporting – Conte: ‘We’re risking Spinazzola, we’re playing against an excellent team’ | OneFootball

Antonio Conte underlined Napoli’s defensive emergency ahead of their Champions League meeting with Sporting Lisbon, warning that Leonardo Spinazzola may have to be risked despite fitness concerns.

“If I chose this formation, it means it was the best one, also because we prepared it in just one day,” Conte told Sky Sport, via IlNapolista.

“There was no time to change things. For me, it’s the line-up that gives us the most guarantees. We’re risking Spinazzola on the pitch and bringing Olivera to the bench. We must work as a team to deal with this defensive crisis.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

On potential changes: “Spinazzola and Olivera trained separately, we’ll see today. If there’s a need to risk, we’ll risk, because we don’t have great alternatives. One option could even be Elmas as a full-back.”

Conte reflects on Napoli loss to Milan & Sporting challenge

The coach reflected on Napoli’s weekend defeat: “We analysed the game well. Against Milan, we played better than in matches we won last season, but we weren’t as attentive. We must be sharper in certain situations.”

Looking ahead to Sporting, Conte was wary of their pedigree. “It’s an important game against an excellent team. They won the Portuguese league and, with Benfica and Porto, they represent the elite. Against Manchester City we lost in special circumstances with Di Lorenzo’s red card. Sporting are not a small team, they will want to do well too.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli

scores a penalty goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Conte also addressed dressing-room discipline. “It’s not about one player, like De Bruyne. Those who know me know my point of view on behaviour. It’s up to me to restore the situation and reinforce concepts. You can let it slide once, but not a second time.”

Finally, he set the tone for his side’s approach. “We want to win, but we must understand that the opponent is equally strong and determined. We’ll need to give everything.”