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Conte: ‘Napoli deserved more, we’ll see what competition we qualify for’
Antonio Conte believes Napoli deserved more than a 2-2 draw with Roma. ‘It was an English style match, now we’ll see what European competition we qualify for.’
There was a long and touching banner in the stands before kick-off that sent a strong message to Conte and the Napoli players during their injury crisis. ‘We don’t know what our destiny will be, but we’ll be by your side to the end. Despite the many difficulties, you are honouring the shirt and the city,’ it read.
“It is only right that we thank the fans, because it is by no means to be taken for granted that they would recognise what we are doing this season,” Conte told DAZN Italia.
“The fact they recognised we are fighting for Napoli, honouring the shirt and not giving in, that is a wonderful message for the lads. I know what they’ve been dealing with and how we’ve managed to get through the last few months.”
Conte saw English style clash for Napoli and Roma
It was another hard-fought battle at the Stadio Maradona, but the Partenopei refused to give in and twice fought back from Donyell Malen goals to earn a 2-2 draw.
Leonardo Spinazzola’s strike took a deflection off Nicolò Pisilli to loop over Mile Svilar, while late on January signings Giovane and Alisson Santos combined for the latter’s emotional equaliser.
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Napoli 2-2 Roma
“Fighting back twice to hold Roma was also no mean feat, and I think if this was a boxing match, we’d have won it on points,” insisted Conte.
“It was an entertaining game played at a high level of intensity, there were difficulties playing because the pressing was so high from both teams. It was an English style match. We’ve got to continue, knowing that we are building our future in the next 13 games, so what we have next season will depend on what we do in these 13 games, and what European competition we manage to qualify for.
“It won’t be easy, as the other teams in the race are well-drilled and have resources, but we are pushing beyond our boundaries.”
Alisson Santos arrived in the January transfer window and made a big impact off the bench today, scoring a goal, but also repeatedly running at opponents.
“Both Giovane and Alisson are young players that the club signed in January, because we had those transfer limitations and had to sell first in order to buy to balance the books,” noted Conte.
“They have not even been training with us for two weeks, so they need to understand our movements. Alisson is better at taking men on than Giovane, whereas Giovane is more of a striker. They have made a massive change in their careers, but they have showed humility and are ready to take that time to understand how we do things here.”
There was mixed news from the treatment table, as while Amir Rrahmani seemed to sprain his ankle during the penalty incident, Billy Gilmour made his first appearance since early November.
“I honestly don’t know how Rrahmani is doing, but it won’t make much difference at this point,” shrugged Conte.
“We can’t always talk about injuries, otherwise it becomes stupid. We should focus on what we have at our disposal for the next match, if he is ready then we’ll be happy, if not then we’ll find a solution, as we have been doing in every single game.”
