Antonio Conte spoke to DAZN within the moments earlier than kick-off between Napoli and Torino on the Maradona, addressing essentially the most urgent questions surrounding his workforce choice, and providing essentially the most detailed replace but on when supporters would possibly see Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa making a significant contribution.
The Belgian and the Cameroonian are each named on the bench this night, their first involvement in a matchday squad since their respective accidents within the autumn.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 28: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, reacts from the technical space throughout the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Part MD8 match between SSC Napoli and Chelsea FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 28, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Picture by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Photographs)
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However Conte was measured in managing expectations, explaining that the timing of the fixture had difficult their preparation.
“That is the primary week they’ve labored with us,” he stated, with .
“Making assessments about how a lot they will play is troublesome, particularly as a result of in earlier weeks we organised friendlies to assist with the combination of recent arrivals like Lukaku. This week that was not attainable, a apply match would have been helpful. If I’ve introduced them to the bench, it means they’re out there. We are going to see how the sport goes, whether or not we want them and the way a lot.”
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli head coach, gestures earlier than the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Picture by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Photographs)
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Napoli vs Torino – Conte defends choice selections
The number of three left-footed central defenders raised eyebrows, with Sam Beukema notably absent from the beginning lineup.
Conte was usually temporary when pressed on the matter.
“These are technical selections, I decide these in the most effective situation. It isn’t the primary time this has occurred,” he stated, declining to elaborate additional.
With 11 matches remaining, Conte was equally direct concerning the stakes concerned.
Requested concerning the problem of going through a Torino facet who’ve returned to a two-striker system underneath Roberto D’Aversa, he refused to single out any particular person opponent.
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“For us each match is vital,” he stated.
“In these eleven video games we’ll decide what sort of European competitors we play subsequent season. Tonight issues, simply as Lecce and Cagliari will matter. We should take it recreation by recreation and draw conclusions on the finish.”