Conte unhappy with Serie A schedule after Champions League exit | OneFootball

Antonio Conte praised Napoli despite a 3-2 defeat at Chelsea, then took aim at Serie A scheduling before facing Fiorentina on Saturday.

Napoli were the only Serie A side eliminated in the league phase after Wednesday’s loss. According to Football Italia, Conte coupled praise for his team with frustration at the quick turnaround.

He said the display should be appreciated, highlighting their courage and how they went toe to toe with a side built to achieve great things.

Conte underlined selection problems, warning those same players must go again on Saturday, barely two and a half days later. He questioned the decision to schedule an 18:00 kick-off against Fiorentina despite a free week, adding the situation left him puzzled.

The defending Serie A champions have been without several senior players for over two months, including Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour. Amir Rrahmani, Matteo Politano and David Neres have suffered more recent injuries and are not expected back soon.

He felt his players exceeded expectations and deserved more from the match. Napoli are fourth in Serie A, level on 43 points with Roma.

Source: Football Italia