The tension was over the weekend when Napoli beat Inter 3-1 including a penalty that was awarded by the assistant referee with minimal contact between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
Inter protested at that decision, sending President Beppe Marotta to the press room, so Conte referenced this after Lecce received a penalty for Juan Jesus handball.
Conte not letting go of Inter controversy
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale arguing with Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“It is not right for me to come here and complain, as too few days have passed since the last game with a very different type of behaviour from others,” said Conte in his press conference.
“We remain hopeful that the moaning is not influencing Rocchi and the referees. When Presidents arrive to speak to the media, they think that they are sending a strong message and influencing the narrative.
“We are not here to whine, but we’re not stupid either.”
The referee had not initially awarded the penalty to Lecce this evening at the Stadio Via del Mare, but it was given following a VAR On-Field Review.
It took quite a few minutes to find the footage from an angle that showed the hand bent back by the Kialonda Gaspar header.
Antonio Conte raged against the ‘completely absurd’ treatment of the Napoli injury crisis after they scraped a 1-0 victory away to Lecce with a saved penalty.
The Partenopei were feeling the pressure at the Stadio Via del Mare after failing to win in their last four competitive away fixtures.
It went from bad to worse when Noa Lang limped off with a knock to the thigh just above his left knee, then Lecce were awarded a penalty for Juan Jesus handball.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic came to the rescue by saving the Francesco Camarda penalty, then Frank Andre Zambo Anguissa nodded in a David Neres free kick for the 1-0 victory.
Conte taking nothing for granted at Napoli
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Head coach of SSC Napoli Antonio Conte looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
“These games are never easy, especially after a match like the one with Inter that used up so much energy,” Conte told DAZN Italia.
“We played against a very good team, it is always tough to play here in Lecce. I think we should’ve controlled the final stages better, even if we didn’t run many big risks. Mentality is first and foremost.
“It was a very good first half, then this penalty could’ve changed the course of the game, but our goalkeeper did well and we went on to deserve the victory.”
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Tiago Gabriel of US Lecce competes for the ball with Lorenzo Lucca of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Rasmus Hojlund made his return as a substitute after a few weeks out injured, but it is now confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will be out for three to four months after a high grade lesion to the thigh.
Scott McTominay was rested today, moving Napoli back to the 4-3-3 formation that had seen them win the Scudetto last season.
“People forget that we are having to make do. People talk about these big reinforcements, now some even try to suggest we are benefiting from the injuries to Lukaku and De Bruyne. It’s completely absurd,” raged Conte.
“All we’ve got in goal now is Milinkovic-Savic, but some over the summer were asking why we had invested so much in a quality goalkeeper.”
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli warms up prior the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Anguissa scored the goal today, but then had a bit of an odd exchange with Conte in the final minutes when urging the coach to ‘calm down’ after a particularly loud scream in his direction.
“I honestly didn’t see it, but in these moments you need guts, not calm. I am very happy for Frank, if he’s constantly switched on then there are few players like him, but he still needs to improve his finishing. We need to score goals from everyone, it doesn’t matter if they are strikers, midfielders or defenders.”
Lang limped off within 60 seconds of the restart, so why was that problem not identified during half-time to avoid wasting a substitution slot?
“Lang had two knocks in the same spot, so I think his muscle hardened. It is not a serious problem. I am glad for him too, having his first start, as we need everyone in this difficult moment. The important thing is that we never lack the right spirit,” concluded Conte.
This means that Napoli will go into the weekend top of the table, potentially alone if Roma drop points at home to Parma tomorrow evening.
Napoli defeated Lecce 1-0 this evening, in a fine margin that Antonio Conte would have liked to see larger. Whilst Vanja Milinkovic-Savic pulled off a strong save to deny Francesco Camarda from the penalty spot, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa continues his run of good form with a winning goal and is Football Italia’s Man of the Match.
Best Lecce player: Gabriel – The Portuguese defender put in a solid shift in defence for Lecce today, constantly causing Napoli’s attack difficulties. Deserved a clean sheet for his performance but the 20-year-old continues to impress.
Lowest Lecce rating: Camarda – The 17-year-old has been a breakthrough star so far this season for Lecce but unfortunately had an evening to forget against an experienced Napoli tonight. The youngster had the opportunity to give his side the lead from the penalty spot but his effort was saved by Partenopei keeper Milinkovic-Savic.
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli gestures during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Coach: Di Francesco 6.5 – Set up his team well this evening but was unfortunate not to get a result. If it were not for Milinkovic-Savic’s penalty save, the coach could have come away with at least a point but he should not be too disheartened about his efforts tonight.
Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic 7; Di Lorenzo 6, Buongiorno 6, Juan Jesus 5, Olivera 6 (Spinazzola 6.5); Zambo Anguissa 7.5, Gilmour 6.5, Elmas 5.5 (Gutierrez N/A); Politano 5.5 (McTominay 6), Lucca 5.5 (Hojlund 5.5), Lang 6.5 (Neres 6.5)
Best Napoli player: Anguissa – Although Milinkovic-Savic deserves plaudits for a strong penalty save, Anguissa has once again continued his run of good form with a decisive goal to give his team all three points. Looked confident all evening, despite the absence of McTominay and De Bruyne in the starting lineup.
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Tiago Gabriel of US Lecce competes for the ball with Lorenzo Lucca of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Lowest Napoli rating: Lucca – The towering target man was once again ineffectual before being substituted around the hour mark. Hojlund’s return from injury marks another setback for the Italian striker.
Coach: Conte 6 – Coped well against a plucky Lecce but can consider himself lucky to come away with all three points.
Napoli scraped a victory away to Lecce thanks to another Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa goal, but also Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saving the Francesco Camarda penalty.
The Partenopei were back on top of the table after the dramatic 3-1 win over Inter, but it came at a cost, as Kevin De Bruyne will be out for several months with a serious thigh strain. Stanislav Lobotka, Alex Meret and Romelu Lukaku were also still on the treatment table, but Rasmus Hojlund and Amir Rrahmani were back on the bench. The 4-3-3 formation returned, with Scott McTominay and Leonardo Spinazzola rested. Lecce missed Riccardo Sottil, Matias Perez, Gaby Jean and Filip Marchwinski after the 3-2 defeat to Udinese.
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Players of SSC Napoli pose for photo prior to the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Napoli wore their special edition Halloween kit and Billy Gilmour saw his snapshot deflected wide, but Lorenzo Lucca accidentally charged down a Matteo Politano strike that was on target.
The hosts also threatened with Medon Berisha drilling wide from the edge of the area, while Politano turned over from six yards on the Matias Olivera pull-back.
Wladimiro Falcone made a huge save using his legs at the near post to deny Olivera, who had been sent clear by a smart Gilmour first-touch lay-off.
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Danilo Veiga of US Lecce competes for the ball with Matheus Oliveira of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Francesco Camarda’s chest and half-volley was inches wide on the stroke of half-time, but wouldn’t have counted over handball.
Noa Lang hobbled off with a knock to the thigh just above the left knee moments after the restart, adding to the growing list of Napoli absentees.
There was a double chance to open the scoring when Lucca ran onto a long ball that Falcone rushed out to nod clear, then Politano’s follow-up was charged down with the goalkeeper off his line.
Kialonda Gaspar’s header on a corner seemed to strike the hand of Juan Jesus, which bent back on impact, so the Lecce penalty was awarded following a VAR review. Camarda stepped up, but Vanja Milinkovic-Savic confirmed his status as a specialist by parrying the spot-kick, meaning he has saved five of the last nine Serie A penalties faced.
LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of SSC Napoli gestures during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Hojlund made his comeback from injury, with McTominay and Leonardo Spinazzola strengthening the squad from the bench for the final half-hour.
It paid off, as Napoli took the lead when a David Neres free kick was glanced into the far top corner off the head of Anguissa from six yards.
Elmas blasted wide and Nikola Stulic was too sluggish to make the most of a Danilo Veiga pull-back, while in stoppages Hojlund failed to meet the Neres assist.
Napoli faced another injury blow this evening in their match against Lecce, with Noa Lang having to come off just after the start of the second half.
After a foul from Danilo Veiga in the first half, Lang appeared to suffer a bruise just above his left knee. The Dutchman attempted to play on and started the second half but only lasted a minute before signalling to the bench he needed to come off.
NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Noa Lang of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
It was not all bad news for the Partenopei, however, with Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund making his return from injury.
The forward, on loan from Manchester United with an obligation-to-buy, was brought on for struggling summer signing Lorenzo Lucca just after the hour mark.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between SSC Napoli and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
It marks Hojlund’s first appearance since before the international break, when he scored in a 2-1 win over Genoa. In fact, the striker was on a run of six goals in four games for club and country before the injury forced a setback.
Napoli team manager Gabriele Oriali has spoken to the press before the Partenopei’s trip to Lecce in Serie A on Tuesday evening. Oriali discussed several topics, including the 6-2 defeat to PSV last week, as well as the injuries of both Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
Speaking to DAZN Italia, Oriali said “There are always three points up for grabs in every game. We need to keep the Eindhoven defeat in our minds always as a warning of what can happen when we don’t play with that focus and unity,”
Napoli were expected to meet a resistant PSV in Eindhoven last week but nobody forecasted such a heavy defeat for Antonio Conte’s side. However, the Partenopei bounced back at the weekend with a 3-1 win over Inter in a game that may carry additional significance as we get further through the campaign.
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 21: Scott McTominay of Napoli reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between PSV Eindhoven and SSC Napoli at PSV Stadion on October 21, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
“We were coming off a heavy defeat that was unexpected, so everyone’s mood was bad going into the Inter game, not just Conte.”
Napoli team manager Oriali provides update on Lukaku & De Bruyne
On the former Manchester City man’s condition, Oriali said “We don’t know yet how long he will be out for, as the surgery is meant to be tomorrow, but we’ll have a better idea then. It is going to be 3-4 months unfortunately, as he had settled in very well and was giving a big hand to the team.”
CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Romelu Lukaku of Napoli lies on the pitch after being injured during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Olympiacos at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 14, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)
Finally, the Napoli man discussed Romelu Lukaku’s recovery. The forward suffered an injury in pre-season that saw him miss the start to the campaign, and led to the Partenopei signing Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United.
“However, Lukaku is on his way back this week and we hope to get him ready soon. I won’t stand here listing all the injuries we’ve had, but we got through it anyway, and those who replaced them did very well.”
After an impressive victory at the Stadio Maradona against Scudetto rivals Inter at the weekend, Napoli appear to be getting their momentum back on track following a brutal week before.
After a disappointing 1-0 loss to Torino and heavy 6-2 thumping at the hands of PSV last week, Conte’s side bounced back with a convincing 3-1 win over Inter.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne scores his side first goal during the Serie A match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Unfortunately for Conte and the Partenopei, talismanic midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suffered an injury in the win and the Partenopei must now deal without the Belgian midfielder for some time.
Lecce vs Napoli – McTominay back in the heart of midfield after De Bruyne injury
Furthermore, Scott McTominay heads to the bench as Conte opts for a midfield triad of Billy Gilmour, Eljif Elmas and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay celebrates his side third goal scored by Frank Zambo Anguissa during the Serie A match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Additionally, Lorenzo Lucca starts up front, with Politano and Noa Lang working from the flanks. This marks Conte’s return to his 4-3-3, after utilising a 4-1-4-1 for a majority of the season so far.
Lorenzo Lucca is expected to return to the Napoli XI against Lecce today, but Scott McTominay might start on the bench.
It kicks off at 18:30 CET (17:30 GMT) at the Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce.
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Adrien Tameze of Torino is challenged by Lorenzo Lucca of Napoli during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Napoli see Rasmus Hojlund and Amir Rrahmani return to action, but neither is fit to start, so Antonio Conte is expected to pick Lucca in attack, Sam Beukema and Juan Jesus at centre-back.
Lucca was benched against Inter on Saturday and had received a red card in his latest game as a starter against PSV last week.
Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Alex Meret and Stanislav Lobotka are injured.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates his side third goal scored by Frank Zambo Anguissa during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Several sources, including Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, report that Scotland international McTominay is expected to rest so Eljif Elmas will join Billy Gilmour and Zambo Anguissa in the middle of the park.
Noa Lang is expected to start for the first time in Serie A this season, completing a three-man attack with Lucca and Matteo Politano.
Milan loanee Francesco Camarda is expected to start for Lecce.
Lecce vs. Napoli – where to watch on TV
The match is available on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN in the UK and Paramount+ in the USA.
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