Antonio Conte has expressed disbelief over Napoli’s current standing atop the Serie A table, a position he never imagined just a few months ago. Despite a strong 3-1 victory over Como on Friday night, the experienced coach admitted that Napoli’s spot at the summit still feels somewhat unexpected.
Napoli’s triumph at the Stadio Maradona saw Scott McTominay score within the opening 25 seconds, followed by second-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and David Neres. The win gives the Partenopei a four-point cushion in the league, ensuring their top position through the international break.
Unexpected Success for Napoli
Following the win, Conte reflected on Napoli’s current run and confessed that he remains unsure whether his side truly merits being top of the league. “It’s a reality that we are first, but I’m not certain if we fully deserve it,” he commented in his post-match discussion. “Had you told me we’d be in this spot three months ago, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
Conte highlighted the hard work Napoli has put in each week, emphasizing that Friday’s game against Como—who have been in excellent form recently—was no different. Como entered the match with a strong streak, and Conte was pleased with how his team handled a challenging opponent.
Facing a Formidable Como
Conte explained that Napoli’s early goal was the result of diligent preparation but acknowledged that his team struggled to maintain control after the initial strike. “We gave Como space and struggled to contain their attacks, especially with their dribbling and shooting,” he explained. It wasn’t until tactical changes were made in the second half that Napoli regained the upper hand.
Despite Napoli’s dominant second-half display, Conte expressed his concern over the number of individual battles his side lost during the match. He attributed this to the process of rebuilding his players’ confidence but praised the team’s resilience. “Como was possibly the toughest team we could face at this moment,” Conte admitted. However, the adjustments they made were key to securing a valuable win that keeps them firmly at the top of the standings.
