Antonio Conte on Napoli squad: “I have guys who are willing to die for the team”

Antonio Conte has Napoli firing on all cylinders

After coming off of a Scudetto winning season in 2022-23, Napoli were a big disappointment last season after finishing 10th in Serie A and failing to qualify for any European tournaments for this season.

Of course it didn’t help that Luciano Spalletti left Naples to coach the Italian national team after helping them win their first Scudetto in 33 years.

With Napoli struggling, the club turned to proven manager Antonio Conte, who’s come in this season and completely reshaped the way this team plays with seven clean sheets in the last 10 Serie A matches. They’ve also only given up two goals in the last nine matches.

On Tuesday, Napoli went into the San Siro and shut out AC Milan 2-0 with goals coming from Romelu Lukaku and star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. They’re now seven points ahead of second place Inter Milan, who have a match against Empoli on Wednesday.

After the big win, Conte spoke with DAZN (via getfootballnewsitaly.com) and stated that his players are willing to die for the club.

“There is great empathy with Romelu, he wanted to come to Naples at all costs, he waited until the end and gave up English teams, He wanted to come back to work with me, he is a good guy like everyone here in Naples, we are lucky to have a group of guys who are truly exceptional. I have guys who are ready to die for the team they play for.”

Conte even went as far as to say that this is one of the best teams he’s ever coached during his career.

“This is one of the best groups I have had in my career, everyone looks at the same goal, even between me and the club and the whole environment we have created in Castel Yolturno from the warehouseman to the gardener. I breathe beautiful and clean air, passion and enthusiasm. When I happen to find this type of situation I live it with passion.”

If Napoli are going to win a second Serie A title in three years it won’t be easy with Inter Milan still one of the top clubs in Italy and Juventus off to a good start under first-year manager Thiago Motta.