Conte: ‘What Napoli are doing is not normal, trust me’ | OneFootball

Antonio Conte hits out at the media for under-estimating Napoli’s achievements in the Scudetto race and criticising his tactics. ‘You are making this seem normal when it really isn’t. Please, trust me.’

The Partenopei are still only one point behind Serie A leaders Inter with 10 rounds left to be played, as they swept Fiorentina aside 2-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this afternoon with goals from Romelu Lukaku and Giacomo Raspadori.

Albert Gudmundsson set up a tense finale with his strike, something that Conte fully acknowledges after conceding late goals in recent weeks.

“It was a deserved victory, but we didn’t score anywhere near enough goals for the amount of chances created, so I am not satisfied with that,” said Conte in his press conference.

“We’ve got to play to our best, without creating this pointless anxiety. Just like against Inter, we played well and dominated for long periods, until the anxiety set in.”

Conte stands up for Napoli achievements

NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 09: Giacomo Raspadori of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Napoli and Fiorentina at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

When it comes to explaining why the team feels tense, Conte decided to hit out at the media for the way this entire campaign has been framed.

“You are making what the team is doing seem normal when it really isn’t. I have to underline that: this is not normal,” said the coach.

“There are big players injured, you say it’s normal, the most talented player leaves, it’s normal. The lads are doing something extraordinary here.”

Following the departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and injury for David Neres, Conte changed the tactical system of Napoli from the 4-3-3 to his once trademark 3-5-2.

He brought this up too in the press conference, pointing out that his history has given him some leeway to take hold of the situation.

“The lads are doing great work in finding alternative solutions. Next time, please, trust me and let me get on with it without telling me to play 4-3-3 or something else. You are only guaranteed a winning bet if you place it after the final whistle.

“So have faith in me, this is a group that has overcome difficulties and will continue to do so, giving a great response and covering the gaps.”

If Conte is keeping Scudetto hopes down, the same is not true of the supporters, who put on a spectacular display in the stands with ‘heart and soul’ written in huge letters.

“In all honesty, the atmosphere today moved me and that doesn’t happen often,” added the coach.

“This fills us with joy. The people of Naples are very demanding, but at the same time they give you so much too. We want to keep giving them joy and excitement, aside from results, because the team should always be proud of its team.

“That would be the greatest victory for me and the lads. The fans always believed and we must continue believing too.”