Conte positive despite Napoli falling to first defeat of 2025-26: “Milan have quality”

Napoli boss Antonio Conte has praised AC Milan for taking their chances, insisting that they have quality in midfield and in attack.

Milan scored twice in the first half to take command of the contest, with Alexis Saelemaekers and Christian Pulisic finding the back of the net. However, the game changed totally when Pervis Estupinan was sent off just before the hour mark for hauling down his man.

Kevin De Bruyne scored the penalty that resulted but Napoli were unable to find an equaliser as Milan held firm defensively. The result means that the Rossoneri move to top of the table after five games, on goal difference.

‘We controlled the first half’

Conte spoke to DAZN after his side’s defeat to dissect what was a tough night and a first loss of the season, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.

How did the game go in your eyes?

“It’s disappointing to have conceded an early goal. We could have definitely done better with the first two goals as a team. But usually, when you concede a goal, it’s either an unstoppable blast or there are situations that need improvement.

“Starting here at San Siro and going behind after four minutes wasn’t easy. We controlled the game in the first half, and the team liked it. We pressed high, we created scoring opportunities. Then, of course, there’s work to be done and improvement needed.

“We’ve conceded a few more goals lately, seeing as we did the two goals against Pisa, the two goals today, and the goal against Fiorentina. Defensiveness has always been our strength, we’ll have to be good at improving.

“Coming here with this performance and playing with this quality against Milan, who are a tough and physically strong team. If they close down, it becomes difficult… It must give us a good feeling as a team. We have to work and improve where we need to improve.”

What did you think about the goals conceded?

“Let’s start with the assumption that this is our first defeat in five games. We suffered it at San Siro against Milan, not against the bottom team. Milan have quality in midfield and up front, and it’s normal for them to score two goals.

“The lads know that as a team we need to improve, not as individuals. A bit of focus and concentration… Because then, at 2-0, it was tough, and we got back to playing and doing what we work for. We created some opportunities, but in the end, you also have to score goals.

You made some changes in the second half…

“The substitutions… I tried to bring in fresh players for one-on-one situations because Milan were closing down a lot. I swapped the striker for Lucca and nothing happened… You make substitutions to try and do something good. I think they were the right changes.”