Conte replies, “Let’s enjoy it,” as Napoli takes the lead and secures a Champions League berth

Napoli’s coach Antonio Conte declared that it was time to enjoy the moment after his team defeated Torino on Sunday, securing their return to Europe’s top club competition and putting them three points ahead in the Serie A title chase.

Following Simone Inzaghi’s team’s shocking 1-0 home loss to AS Roma, Napoli pulled away from defending champions Inter Milan in the standings thanks to two goals from Scott McTominay in the first half.

At a press conference, Conte stated, “We’ve been ahead more than anyone else, so this isn’t the first time we’re in the lead.”

There are fewer and fewer games, though, and any error can have serious consequences. You must take pleasure in it at least a little since we are mathematically in the Champions League, which is a major financial objective for the team.

Having finished 10th last season, Napoli, the 2023 league champions, did not participate in any European events this season.

“There are four steps to go, I told the lads too,” Conte said.

“It was an odd night. Since our games already cause me enough pain, I didn’t watch Inter. I wanted to give the boys free will because I knew that we would also lose mental energy, so I didn’t interfere with them either.

“We needed to win, and I informed them that nothing had changed before the game, which greatly inspired them. Because of their exceptional surroundings, the boys were excellent.

Napoli has four games left in the season. On Saturday, they will go to relegation-threatened Lecce. Their last games will be against Genoa, Parma, and Cagliari, all of which are in the bottom half of the table.

The Italian manager provided an update on the injuries that forced the substitution of defender Alessandro Buongiorno and midfielder Frank Anguissa at the hour mark.

It’s challenging to evaluate Anguissa while the situation is still new. “I believe he sustained a pelvic injury,” Conte remarked.

For a fuller understanding of what transpired, we will need to wait 24 to 48 hours for Buongiorno. The diagnosis is currently quite tough, because he had a tendon problem in the lower part of the pubic bone.

“We’re used to dealing with emergencies and we’ll continue to do so without problems.”