Antonio Conte known as for readability, composure and persona as Napoli put together for a decisive Champions League journey to Benfica, stressing that his squad should “depart the pitch with out regrets” regardless of one other demanding week and a mounting record of absences.
Talking at Estádio da Luz on the eve of the match, with , the Napoli coach opened by saluting José Mourinho forward of their first assembly in Europe.
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“We’re speaking about an amazing coach, his CV speaks for itself. It is going to be a pleasure to satisfy him once more,” Conte stated, shutting down any try to stir rigidity between the 2 benches.
Conte insisted Napoli’s strategy can’t change merely due to the event or the standings. “Each match should be vital for us. We come right here with most focus, but additionally with a transparent thoughts. It’s a soccer match, value three vital factors for each groups,” he defined.
With Benfica caught on three factors and needing a win to maintain their marketing campaign alive, Conte expects an intense evening in a famously hostile enviornment.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: José Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica through the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Section MD2 match between Chelsea FC and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge on September 30, 2025 in London, England. (Picture by Julian Finney/Getty Photographs)
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He acknowledged however performed them down with typical pragmatism. “It’s wonderful. There are goal issues, after all, but it surely’s Napoli versus Benfica. They should win in any respect prices, and we additionally want factors. I simply hope it’s a great match.”
Conte centered as Napoli look to construct on win over Juventus
Conte highlighted the bodily and psychological effort his crew spent in opposition to Juventus and warned that restoration will likely be essential.
“We come right here wanting to offer our greatest. Generally it really works, generally it doesn’t, however we should play an actual Napoli match,” he stated. The coach praised his squad’s resilience throughout a interval marked by weekly setbacks: “There’s been progress in duty. With so many issues, the group has stayed compact, united, filled with vitality.”
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He additionally mirrored on the broader European panorama. “Serie A has turn out to be extra European. The true hole is in squad depth, in England, Spain and Germany the highest groups have extraordinary rosters. Tactically, although, Italy has taught so much,” he famous.
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 25: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach through the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Section MD5 match between SSC Napoli and Qarabag FK at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Picture by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Photographs)
Trying to erase the reminiscence of the defeat in Eindhoven, Conte stated the message to his gamers was easy: “We are able to’t neglect what we’ve carried out, good or dangerous. We all know our strengths and weaknesses. We wish factors, and so do they. In the event that they show stronger, we’ll congratulate them.”
Napoli enter Lisbon on seven factors, totally conscious {that a} end result might outline their path. Conte, as ever, needs readability, braveness and no excuses.