Napoli, Conte: “Italiano is talented, we share hunger” Politano: “We’re strong on and off the pitch” | OneFootball

The Azzurri coach, accompanied by winger Matteo Politano, on the eve of the Super Cup final against Bologna: “It's great to reach the final, but only the winners are remembered.”

Napoli, Conte: “Italiano is good, we have the same hunger.” Politano: “We are strong on and off the field.”

Anticipation is building for Napoli-Bologna, the Italian Super Cup final that will award the first trophy of the season. On the eve of the Riyadh clash, Antonio Conte speaks at a press conference, offering a clear assessment of the Azzurri's journey, balancing self-criticism, awareness, and ambition.

Leading the way with his words is former Inter and Sassuolo player, Matteo Politano: “We are a strong group, always united. Both in good times and bad. Helping each other on and off the field has always been our strength, we have a lot of experience. We talk about a Napoli strong both on and off the field.” He continues: “We can play with different formations. As for being a starter: I have played many matches, being out occasionally is not a problem. Everyone is always needed, and for me, it's an honor to have played most of the matches. I like playing as a winger.”

The Napoli coach starts with a direct comparison between the recent past and the present, recalling the league defeat against Bologna.

“In Bologna, we played a negative match. We lost 2-0 and in the second half, they put in something more than us, deserving the victory.”

From defeat to growth: “You need to know how to start over.”

Conte emphasizes how that game represented a formative moment, especially in a period marked by difficulties and injuries.

“Some absences forced us to find new solutions. But whether in victory or defeat, you must always start over, honestly analyzing what didn't work.”

The turning point came against Milan.

“Against Milan, we played an excellent match. It's not easy to play every three days, but that performance gave us important signals.”

Energy and enthusiasm: “The final gives you a different boost.”

When asked about the team's physical and mental condition, Conte is clear.

“The victory and reaching the final bring energy, confidence, and enthusiasm. Competing for a trophy is a huge boost.”

The message to the players is clear and direct.

“It's great to reach the final, but then only the winners are remembered.”

Hunger and mentality: “If Bologna has more than us, it will be our limit.”

One of the most delicate themes concerns the emotional approach to the game.

“If Bologna has more hunger than Napoli, it would be our fault. They can lift the Cup, but they must prove to be stronger than us on the field, not just more aggressive or hungry.”

A complex but consistent journey

Conte urges not to lose sight of the bigger picture.

“We must not forget where we come from. The championship was an extraordinary achievement, often undervalued.”

The coach reiterates a concept expressed since the start of the season.

“At the beginning of the year, I was clear: this would be the most complex season. We have introduced many new players and faced numerous significant injuries.”

Despite everything, the balance remains positive.

“In the league, we are where we should be. We reached the final for the first available trophy, and we can still progress in other competitions.”

Praise for Italiano: “A coach with hunger and passion.”

There is also room for recognition of the opponent and their coach.

“I can only speak well of Italiano. He is a coach eager to improve, has paid his dues, and has done well wherever he has gone. He has hunger, passion, and determination. We coaches can never stop.”

Napoli-Bologna, a final worth much more than a trophy

Conte's words paint the picture of a Napoli aware of its difficulties but also of its strength. The Super Cup represents an opportunity to close a circle, turn a past defeat into growth, and send a strong signal for the rest of the season.

Against an ambitious and fearless Bologna, intensity, clarity, and a winning mentality will be needed. Because, as Conte reiterates, “in the end, only those who lift the Cup are remembered.”

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