Antonio Conte believes Napoli did not deserve to lose their match against Bologna, which ended 3-2. However, he also acknowledged that the team’s tendency to fall behind early is a consistent problem, stating it’s “evidently not a fluke.” Conte stressed the urgent need for Napoli to secure Champions League qualification.
The team had the opportunity to guarantee their spot in the Champions League with two games remaining in the season. Despite this, they found themselves trailing by two goals after strikes from Federico Bernardeschi and Riccardo Orsolini. While Napoli managed to equalize through Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Alisson Santos, a late acrobatic volley from Jonathan Rowe sealed their defeat.
Conte Expresses Frustration Over Napoli’s Stumbles
“When you press, you’ve got to do it properly, because if you only do it half-way then you just end up running around for nothing,” Conte stated in his post-match comments to DAZN Italia. “We could’ve been more determined in the pressing, but it wasn’t the first time this season we were 2-0 down, so that means it’s not a fluke. Evidently we need to be more determined in the initial approach, because it keeps happening.”
He continued, “We managed to get it back on track, tried to win and pushed hard, but if you can’t win, then you should at least try not to lose. I don’t think we deserved to lose, but these things happen.”
Looking ahead, Conte emphasized the remaining games: “There are two games to go, we’ve got to recharge the batteries, secure Champions League football in these two matches and try to do our best. I am not upset with the performance, I saw the lads wanted to get the job done tonight, but at times there’s a twist in the tale.”
The defeat leaves Napoli in a precarious position regarding Champions League qualification. They now hold a narrow two-point lead over Juventus in third place, with Milan and Roma also close behind. Even Como remains in contention, just five points adrift.
Conte also commented on the performance of striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has been instructed to be more disciplined with his positioning. “Let us not forget, he is the only striker we’ve got in the squad right now, so he’s playing constantly,” Conte noted. “I wish I had the chance to give him some rest. He’s young, has a lot of energy, there are moments when you need to attack the space, others when you hold up the ball. He is only 23, works hard for the team and has margin for improvement.”
Regarding Alisson Santos, who showed promise when dribbling past defenders, Conte discussed his development: “Alisson is improving, we are trying to use him in a way that can make the most of his characteristics. He arrived from Sporting, where he had basically never started a match, so it required a lot of work and he has improved a lot. The other problem is once the defenders get to know him, it all becomes more difficult.”
English Translation:
Conte: Napoli’s Loss to Bologna Not a Fluke; Champions League Qualification Essential
Antonio Conte feels Napoli “didn’t deserve” to lose 3-2 to Bologna but concedes that their habit of conceding early goals is “evidently not a fluke.” He stressed the critical importance of securing Champions League football.
Napoli entered the match knowing a victory would guarantee their place in the Champions League with two rounds left. However, they conceded two goals from Federico Bernardeschi and Riccardo Orsolini before Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Alisson Santos brought them level. A late, acrobatic volley from Jonathan Rowe ultimately decided the game.
Conte Frustrated by Napoli’s Stumbles
“When you press, you’ve got to do it properly, because if you only do it half-way then you just end up running around for nothing,” Conte told DAZN Italia. “We could’ve been more determined in the pressing, but it wasn’t the first time this season we were 2-0 down, so that means it’s not a fluke. Evidently we need to be more determined in the initial approach, because it keeps happening.”
He added, “We managed to get it back on track, tried to win and pushed hard, but if you can’t win, then you should at least try not to lose. I don’t think we deserved to lose, but these things happen.”
Conte concluded, “There are two games to go, we’ve got to recharge the batteries, secure Champions League football in these two matches and try to do our best. I am not upset with the performance, I saw the lads wanted to get the job done tonight, but at times there’s a twist in the tale.”
The result puts Napoli’s top-four finish in jeopardy. They are now only two points ahead of Juventus, with Milan and Roma also close, and even Como mathematically still in contention.
Conte also addressed Rasmus Hojlund’s play, noting his effort despite tactical instructions. “Let us not forget, he is the only striker we’ve got in the squad right now, so he’s playing constantly,” Conte said. “I wish I had the chance to give him some rest. He’s young, has a lot of energy, there are moments when you need to attack the space, others when you hold up the ball. He is only 23, works hard for the team and has margin for improvement.”
On Alisson Santos’s impact, Conte remarked, “Alisson is improving, we are trying to use him in a way that can make the most of his characteristics. He arrived from Sporting, where he had basically never started a match, so it required a lot of work and he has improved a lot. The other problem is once the defenders get to know him, it all becomes more difficult.”
