Antonio Conte is a tough taskmaster however the exploits of his Napoli aspect to this point this season have him eulogising about how the “gamers are able to die, in soccer phrases, for this jersey.”
Napoli below Conte are a workforce reworked from the one which mounted the worst defence of a Serie A title final season, ending 41 factors off champions Inter Milan.
They head into Sunday’s powerful dwelling match with third-placed Atalanta with a four-point lead over Inter on the prime and bidding for a sixth successive victory.
Except for Conte’s arrival the signings of Scottish duo Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour from Manchester United and Brighton respectively in addition to veteran striker Romelu Lukaku, from Chelsea, have sparked this revival.
Lukaku’s objective within the spectacular 2-0 victory away at AC Milan on Tuesday was the Belgian star’s fourth of the marketing campaign in simply eight appearances.
The much-travelled 31-year-old — who has crammed the vacuum left by Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen — is an outdated favorite of 55-year-old Conte’s having teamed up with him when Inter gained the 2021 title.
Nonetheless, it’s McTominay who has been the mainstay, producing eye-catching performances and incomes the nickname “McTotally” from the followers as he pops up everywhere in the pitch.
The 27-year-old — who price Napoli a reported 26 million kilos ($33.7million) — has been overwhelmed by the welcome he has obtained in southern Italy which fits some method to explaining why he has slotted in so shortly.
“I am unable to discuss sufficient concerning the followers, the individuals, the town and the welcome that my team-mates and coaches gave me,” he mentioned.
McTominay epitomises Conte’s feedback concerning the dedication the squad are exhibiting.
“This is among the greatest teams that I’ve had in my profession,” mentioned Conte after the victory over Milan.
“These gamers are able to die, in soccer phrases, for this jersey, which makes me so comfortable.
“There’s a beautiful rapport among the many workers, the membership and everybody right here.
“There is a cleanliness within the air underpinned by pleasure and keenness.”
Membership captain Giovanni di Lorenzo was linked with a transfer away in the summertime as he had grow to be disillusioned, however he cuts a distinct determine now below Conte.
“We really feel very constructive,” mentioned Di Lorenzo.
“Now we now have to look straight forward of us as we face Atalanta on Sunday and we’ll attempt to give it our all.
“You must undertake the best mentality in each recreation. Our exhausting work within the week is paying off and we’ll proceed down this highway.”
Atalanta, although, will present a very good litmus check of whether or not Napoli can kick on and earn Conte a fourth Serie A crown as a coach.
Their 2-0 win over Monza moved them above Juventus into third within the desk and earned reward from coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
“We’ve got a stable defence and midfield which at all times give us power and competitiveness,” mentioned Gasperini.
He was particularly happy about his squad’s power in depth, evidenced by the substitutes including further vim within the win over Monza.
“This implies the workforce is not manufactured from 11 gamers however 16,” he mentioned.
“We have climbed the desk and performed some video games at dwelling. Now we face some large groups. Napoli are doing extraordinary issues.”
Participant to look at
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
The 23-year-old Georgian midfielder marked his a hundredth look for the membership with a objective, his thirtieth for Napoli, within the victory over Milan.
He had been linked to a transfer away in the summertime however as an alternative Conte’s arrival has revived him and he’s discussing a brand new contract.
Regardless of being one of many stars of the Serie A title-winning workforce he’s nonetheless on the identical annual phrases — 1.3 million euros ($1.4million) — as when he joined from Dinamo Batumi in 2022.
There’s nonetheless some floor to be made up between the 2 events as Napoli are reported to offer 5 million euros plus add-ons, however the participant is asking for eight million.
Fixtures (all instances GMT)
Saturday
Bologna v Lecce (1400), Udinese v Juventus (1700), Monza v AC MIlan (1945)
Sunday
Napoli v Atalanta (1130), Torino v Fiorentina (1400), Verona v Roma (1700), Inter Milan v Venezia (1945)
Monday (1730 until acknowledged):
Parma v Genoa, Empoli v Como, Lazio v Cagliari (1945)
pi/gj
