Antonio Conte warns Napoli that he can be ruthless for the ‘widespread good, which is Champions League qualification,’ and divulges what he noticed with Lameck Banda’s collapse.
It was the worst potential begin to the sport on the Stadio Maradona when , as Jamil Siebert was allowed a free header on a nook.
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Matteo Politano of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his aspect second purpose through the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Picture by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Pictures)
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The Partenopei struggled to get again into it, however had been reworked at half-time when introducing Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay off the bench.
They equalised inside 60 seconds because of Rasmus Hojlund assembly a Matteo Politano pull-back, then Politano ended his 43-match drought to show it round fully for a 3rd consecutive victory.
Conte retains eye on large image for Napoli
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach through the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Picture by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Pictures)
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“I’m not somebody who tends to concentrate to statistics, however I can solely be happy when listening to I’ve such report,” when knowledgeable he has a mean of two.21 factors per recreation in Serie A.
Though De Bruyne had made his comeback final week towards Torino, this was his first look on the Stadio Maradona since he suffered that severe thigh tear on October 25, changing a penalty towards Inter.
With everybody obtainable once more, how might this modification the Napoli line-up?
“These are all hypotheticals, as a result of we’re speaking about gamers who’ve been out for 4 or 5 months, so we can not anticipate them to instantly be in good condition,” replied Conte.
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“We began out utilizing Elmas towards Torino with Gilmour, then within the second half I introduced on Anguissa and pushed Elmas additional ahead. At this time we began with Anguissa and Gilmour, then Elmas as a Quantity 10.
“As we had been dropping the match, I modified once more. These are nice gamers, however we should give them time to regain the match tempo.
“It’s true that the lads must regain confidence, however an important factor is the widespread good, which is what is sweet for Napoli.
“I made selections as we speak and made modifications at half-time. Everybody desires to play, however we’ve acquired to be good they usually should belief what I see and really feel.
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“An important factor is that we qualify for the Champions League.”
NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 14: Lameck Banda of US Lecce collapsed through the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and US Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Picture by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Pictures)
There was additionally stress within the last minutes when close to to Conte on the touchline, so the coach alerted the medical workers to get him remedy.
In accordance with the most recent studies, Banda acquired a knock to the chest moments earlier and was struggling to breathe, however didn’t seem to lose consciousness.
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“I used to be proper there getting ready the wall for a free kick and I noticed him trying a bit shaky, he began to go down, then he had his hand on his chest, which actually frightened me,” revealed Conte.
“I rushed onto the sphere and known as for assist, I hope he’s doing effectively and has a fast restoration. Banda is an efficient lad, he’s anticipating a child too, so I want him and his household effectively.”