Conte hints at Raspadori replacing McTominay in Coppa Italia | OneFootball

Antonio Conte confirms Giacomo Raspadori could replace Scott McTominay against Lazio but insists Napoli’s works are ‘ongoing’ to ‘build something durable.’

The Partenopei visit Lazio in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Thursday.

Conte is expected to rotate his Napoli squad and could start Italy international Raspadori as an attacking midfielder, resting McTominay.

“Raspadori is an important player for us; he deserves more space,” Conte said at a press conference, as quoted by Tutto Napoli.

Conte hints at Raspadori replacing McTominay in Coppa Italia

epa11751724 Napoli’s Scott McTominay celebrates after scoring the 1-0 lead during the Italian Serie A soccer match Torino FC vs SSC Napoli at the Olimpico Grande Torino Stadium in Turin, Italy, 01 December 2024. EPA-EFE/Alessandro Di Marco

“He is a smart footballer, and I expect to see what we are trying. He raises the quality of ball possession and the number of shots on target, so I need to see him at the start, like other players.

“We are working hard, and I need to see them in action; otherwise, it’s just theory. It’d have been necessary to do more tests against teams that don’t play in Europe, but it’s tough, and we only play in two competitions.”

Napoli are not playing in European competitions this season, so can they win the Coppa Italia this season?

“You talk about winning very quickly here,” Conte replied.

“One wakes up in the morning and talks about winning the Coppa Italia, Champions League, and Serie A titles. You must build victories to win [titles]; otherwise, we’d go nowhere.

“Building is the starting point for victory,” continued the Italian tactician.

“We must build the ambition to stay there with our opponents and have a realistic desire. I don’t prevent anyone from dreaming, but work is ongoing to last long and give joy to the environment, which is sometimes divided. You talk about winning like it was a glass of water. I respect you, but you must respect those who work and have some experience to build something durable.”

During the same press conference, Conte hit back at Inter President Beppe Marotta, suggesting that the Nerazzurri are focusing on the wrong Serie A title opponent.