Napoli Atalanta, Conte: “Scudetto? Avoid multiple mental leaps. I don’t work miracles, we have to work hard”

Naples Atalanta Tale – On the eve of the match against Atalanta, the coach of Napoli, Antonio Conte, has preached caution and consistency, while acknowledging the importance of Sunday's match, which will be played at the Maradona stadium. With Napoli currently at the top of the table, Conte's call for solidity and patience is a clear message for the team and for the fans: “The championship? My experience says not to make too long leaps, otherwise the theory of work risks falling. Maybe I'm wrong, and I hope I'm wrong, but it's essential to move forward covering our ears, without distractions. Defeats may come, but it's part of the journey”.

In the press conference, Conte avoided labelling the match with Atalanta as a “Challenge for the Scudetto”. Rather, he described both teams as teams aiming to secure a place in Europe: “We are two teams aiming for Europe, and our goal is to enter through the main door. Atalanta is a consolidated reality, capable of competing in the Champions League, and their success in the Cup is a further example of their solid path. For us they represent a model: they have built their position with continuity and concrete results”.

With his well-known approach of rigor and humility, Tale he reiterated that Napoli does not need "miracles", but rather a serious and sustainable project over time: "I do not perform miracles. I believe that only One can perform miracles, and as a practicing Catholic, I hold to this belief. We must work to build something important that will last over time. As they say, 'God sees and provides,' but on our part, maximum commitment is essential to not make any mistakes."

Conte praises Atalanta: “Strong and winning team”

Conte acknowledged the value of his opponents, warning his players about a match that promises to be complex. “Atalanta is a strong team, it is no coincidence that they won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League. They should be counted among the top teams in Italy and Europe. The credit goes entirely to the club and Gian Piero Gasperini, who I respect a lot. He was my coach in the Juventus youth team and, thanks to hard work, he achieved important goals. You don't win a cup without strength and determination”, declared Conte, sending a clear signal to the team.

For the Neapolitan coach, Atalanta should never be underestimated, even if there could be the risk that the Bergamo team will take the challenge lightly. “We are not in the Champions League, perhaps they may be tempted to underestimate us, but we must remain focused and pay attention to every detail,” Conte explained.

A brief update was then dedicated to Stanislav Lobotka, with Conte reassuring us about his physical condition, stating that the midfielder will be ready for the next match. “There was no serious problem,” he clarified, then going on to mention the young talent Billy Gilmour: “Thinking about Lobotka, I often wondered how I could play Billy, who has always been a great curiosity of mine.”