Conte defends Napoli and doesn't argue: "Honor the lads." And he holds back on the Scudetto: "We're serious..."

Antonio Conte is bitter, but chooses the path of pride and candor after Napoli's elimination from the Coppa Italia by Como on penalties. The Italian coach starts with his team's performance, which was put to the test by a situation he bluntly describes as complicated. "Credit to the lads, because it was absolutely not an easy match. We were facing a Como side with a full squad and who were coming off a ten-day break. We, on the other hand, played a demanding game against Genoa. Today too, we were without another player like McTominay. We're performing beyond our current potential."

Conte doesn't shy away from the topic of refereeing, but tries not to turn it into a major excuse. "I don't want to always talk about referees. Every match, there's always someone or something complaining. It's definitely not a good season for referees. I hope we can improve the situation: ultimately, it's all the teams that complain. Just as we improve our teams, I think Rocchi also needs to improve his referees and VAR." These words capture widespread discontent, and not just within the Azzurri.

When the conversation turns to seasonal ambitions, the coach abruptly puts a stop to any flights of fancy. "Scudetto? Let's try to be serious, even in our questions and considerations. Today we have very few resources that have nothing to do with the ambitions we had at the start of the season. It's a shame because you'd like to achieve more in recent years. However, we've brought home a Super Cup in a pinch and a Scudetto in the last year and a half." A reminder of reality, but also of the recent memory of an otherwise successful run.

The main issue, however, remains the infirmary, which continues to impact decisions and performance. "These are situations you can't predict. They're physical problems so serious that they weigh on you all year. It's not easy having six or seven key players consistently out." This situation explains much of the current difficulties and, in the coach's eyes, makes the weight of absences even heavier in a season already marked by a thousand obstacles.