Antonio Conte says that Napoli are in a tough positions with accidents heading into Tuesday’s Champions League conflict away towards Copenhagen, however believes that this brings incredible alternatives for a few of his fringe gamers: ‘Taking part in one sport for Napoli is value as a lot as 30 in Serie B. Taking part in one within the Champions League is possibly value 60.’
Napoli are on a run of eight video games unbeaten throughout all competitions. They put a run of three consecutive attracts to an finish over the weekend with in Serie A on Saturday. They now sit in third place, six off league leaders Inter.
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The Partenopei are in a significantly extra delicate place within the Champions League desk, although. They’re in twenty third place with simply seven factors from their first six matches within the competitors, and now, qualification for the knock-out rounds will go right down to the ultimate week of league section fixtures.
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: SSC Napoli gamers present their disappointment after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Section MD4 match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 04, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photograph by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Pictures)
Accidents are, once more, a difficulty for Napoli, who misplaced each Matteo Politano and Amir Rrahmani throughout their win towards Sassuolo over the weekend. David Neres, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Kevin De Bruyne are additionally unavailable and Romelu Lukaku shouldn’t be but ready to play.
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“We attempt to concentrate on who’s there, we at all times attempt to discover options,” Conte instructed the media throughout his pre-match on Monday.
“We’ve completed it over the previous few days, making an attempt to arrange for this sport, and I hope we are able to carry that to the pitch. Inevitably, now we have to vary a bit of bit: We misplaced each Politano and Rrahmani within the final sport, Neres additionally continues to have that ankle downside that we’ve not been in a position to remedy.
“We have to discover options with out feeling sorry for ourselves. When the unthinkable occurs, it turns into tough, however I’m assured.”
Conte on Copenhagen vs. Napoli, accidents and Hojlund
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, reacts throughout the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
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Tuesday night time’s sport will probably be Copenhagen’s first aggressive fixture since mid-December given the prolonged winter break that takes place within the Danish soccer calendar. Conte was requested whether or not he thinks this is a bonus or drawback.
“Making estimations concerning the opponent appears unhelpful to me. We’re so centered on ourselves that we haven’t considered that. We’ve come off a giant run, taking part in each three days, I feel that is our fourth sport in 9 days. That’s absurd. Those that put the schedule collectively ought to perceive that footballers are subjected to excessive bodily and psychological stress.
“So, we’re centered on ourselves, making an attempt to do our greatest. We all know we’ll face a wonderful crew, one which may be very ready bodily and tactically. Will probably be a pleasant stadium, our followers are coming and we’re completely satisfied about that. They’ll give us a giant hand to do one thing particular.”
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Stanislav Lobotka of SSC Napoli celebrates together with his teammates after scoring his aspect’s first purpose throughout the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 17, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photograph by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Pictures)
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Conte was not ready to debate switch plans or wishlists throughout his pre-match press convention, although.
“We’re on the eve of an important sport, it doesn’t appear acceptable to speak about these items out of context. There’s full concord at this membership, now we have the identical views. We all know what we’d like and that’s goal. Let’s concentrate on the sport and channel our power there.”
Napoli’s latest damage troubles implies that there was elevated alternatives for the likes of Antonio Vergara, who began towards Sassuolo, his first of the 2025-26 season.
“As for the blokes like Vergara, Ambrosino, Marianucci, we additionally had two lads from the Primavera aspect, they’ve to remain switched on and be prepared as a result of we’d like them. “They’ve been coaching with us, they’ve made a number of progress. Taking part in one sport for Napoli is value as a lot as 30 in Serie B. Taking part in one within the Champions League is possibly value 60. I’m completely satisfied to have them with us and to see their development.
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“As I mentioned to Antonio, we’ll provide help to, however you must assist us as a result of I count on you to have the ability to assist us if I put you on the pitch. He can do it, Ambrosino can do it, these guys are prepared to present us a hand.”
Lastly, Conte was requested by the Danish press for his ideas on centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli shoots throughout the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
“I can solely converse positively about Rasmus,” Conte mentioned. “He’s a incredible man, he’s solely 22 years previous, however for my part he nonetheless has plenty of room for enchancment.
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“In simply 4 or 5 months, he’s grown so much from a tactical and bodily viewpoint. He understands when to assault area, the way in which he has to place himself with the ball. He’s an important participant for us. I feel he can turn out to be even stronger sooner or later.
“He has to maintain this mentality, keep humble. He’s fortunate as a result of he will get to work with a incredible footballer in Romelu Lukaku, who can train him utilizing his expertise. I’m pleased with him, and so is Napoli. He’s a incredible footballer and a incredible man.”