Conte: ‘Worrying second half’ against Verona brought out old Napoli ‘skeletons’ | OneFootball

Antonio Conte has admitted that a ‘worrying’ second half display from Napoli against Hellas Verona last weekend brought out old skeletons from last season, but he insists he is happy with the commitment he has seen from his players in training and is confident results will turn.

The Partenopei coach spoke at his customary pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s visit from Bologna in Serie A.

Napoli were dealt a 3-0 blow by Verona last week, but Conte is still encouraged by what he saw in the first half performance, and by what he has seen behind the scenes in training.

Napoli could also have Alessandro Buongiorno and David Neres to throw into the mix for Sunday’s clash against Bologna, but neither are guaranteed to start just yet.

Conte also made it clear that he would not be prepared to answer any questions regarding Napoli’s ongoing business in the transfer market, as he preferred to keep his focus on Sunday’s test against Bologna.

No transfer business on today’s agenda

The first question Conte faced was in relation to Napoli’s centre-forward situation.

He replied: “Let’s get straight to the point. Last week we had a press conference where we only spoke about the transfer market. I received zero questions about Verona, maybe one, but we didn’t talk about football and what happened.

“I want to talk about Bologna. As you know, it’s a big match, you know what they did last year. Let’s put all our focus on the game, it’s more important to me.”

Conte on Verona loss and what to expect from Bologna

After setting the agenda, Conte then went on to analyse his side’s 3-0 loss to Verona last weekend.

“The game against Verona should be divided into two. In the first half, Napoli played like Napoli, we were in charge. They never had a shot and we created chances, but weren’t able to score.

“It looked a little bit like what we are trying to do, but in the second half everything was different. It seemed like we were back to last year, not how it should be on the opening day.

“The second half was worrying, it reawakened old skeletons and it’s inevitable to be disappointed at the end of a game like that. It took everybody back, that second half, even the fans. I thought that we would put some things behind us, but they resurfaced.”

Conte is confident, though, that Napoli are working hard to correct their errors against Verona.

“We have worked and we will continue to work hard tomorrow as well, like we have done previously. The way we work does not worry me, I was pleased that they have become more aware of what happened, and I am convinced that they will be the first ones wanting to avoid a repeat of certain situations.

“I have their commitment and I am very happy. The base is solid, I know I have that. They are professionals who have Napoli close to their hearts. I have faith in them and they have faith in me. We must have faith in the work and in these guys, they are important parts of our foundations.

Discussing Sunday’s opposition Bologna, Conte added: “They have an optimal squad, in the Champions League and 15 points above us. They won last time they came to the Maradona, and they will give us a difficult test. They are a physical team, intense, with strong wingers in one-on-ones and on the counter attack.

“We will need to be careful. It’s a game that has to be played at 110%. The boys need to feel confident, everyone needs it. I understand the difficulties, the second half in Verona can leave wounds, but we don’t have time for that on the pitch, or in the stands.

“There is an important game ahead of us, three points, and we all need to send a message.”

Updates on Buongiorno and Neres

Then, on possible new additions to the starting XI, Conte said: “Buongiorno is training, we’re evaluating him every day, for us he is an important player. You have seen the impact he has had in his time here already, we hope he recovers.”

And, on new signing David Neres, he said: “He has lots of quality, creativity, he’s good at attacking space and providing assists and goals.

“He can play in the Politano and Kvara positions, that’s his best spot. We got him after a good, but long courtship. We’re happy, he needs time to fit into our system, but he’s a good lad and he’ll come with us to Bologna and we’ll see.”