Napoli 2-0 Qarabag – Di Lorenzo delighted: ‘We needed to send a message’ | OneFootball

Napoli overcame a challenging start to secure a 2-0 win against Qarabag in the Champions League, marking a much-needed return to form on a special night commemorating Maradona.

The team struggled in the opening stages, but a focused second-half display saw them pull away, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo highlighting the significance of the result.

“There was a need to send a message, especially to ourselves,” Di Lorenzo reflected, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of SSC Napoli looks disappointed during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 04, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“These past weeks have been complicated, but we gave two important responses. We wanted to return to winning in the Champions League, to get points, and today was Maradona’s anniversary. It’s been a great evening, we’re happy.”

Di Lorenzo hails Napoli spirit under Conte

The defender also praised the renewed team spirit since the return of Conte, noting the impact on and off the pitch.

“In recent days, you could already feel a different atmosphere, and then you see it on the field. We had to reconnect because in recent weeks we hadn’t been at our best level. If the foundation isn’t a united group, it’s hard to get through difficult moments,” he said.

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 25: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between SSC Napoli and Qarabag FK at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Di Lorenzo stressed the collective effort that led to the improvement: “When everyone comes together, the gaps shrink. It was never about distance, we just had to find each other again, and we did. We’re happy.”

Napoli’s victory demonstrated their ability to respond to early-season struggles with unity and determination, blending tactical discipline with the motivation inspired by the club’s history.

With momentum restored, the team can carry confidence into the weekend’s domestic fixtures and their next European challenge.