Napoli, Conte to Sky: "Now we need to make our mark in Europe too" | OneFootball

On the eve of the Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, Antonio Conte conveyed confidence and determination in his interview with Sky Sport. The Napoli coach provided an update on the team’s physical condition and tactical choices ahead of a crucial match for the Azzurri’s European campaign.

Conte: “Gutierrez and Elmas are two players who are improving a lot, about Lobotka...”

One of the first certainties concerns the return of Stanislav Lobotka to the field: “Lobotka will start from the first minute. The feelings are very positive, the boy has trained with intensity all week, both before and after the match against Como. He is ready and I believe he can handle the entire match. His presence gives us security and quality in ball management,” Conte declared, highlighting the importance of the Slovak midfielder for the team’s balance.

The coach from Salento then focused on the left flank, where he has decided to rely on Gutiérrez and Elmas: “They are two players who are improving a lot. Both represent the most positive aspect of the transfer market: they have enthusiasm, drive, and an excellent tactical sense. I expect intensity and teamwork from them, fundamental qualities in European matches where every duel can be decisive.”

Finally, Conte sent a clear message to the team and the environment: “This match is an important step to understand who we really are. Napoli must return to being a team that is a nuisance, not only in Italy but also in Europe. We have to face the game with courage, focus, and hunger. We know that patience and hard work are needed, but the path to becoming great again passes through nights like these.”

With his usual grit and clarity, Conte concluded by leaving a message that feels both like a challenge and a promise: “I want to see a Napoli that is never satisfied, that fights for every ball and makes it clear that it is back to being a protagonist even beyond national borders.”

Andrea Alati

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