Conte previews Napoli-Milan and offers team update: “We want to deserve it”

As the reigning Scudetto holders, Napoli face the cup runners-up, AC Milan, tomorrow night and Antonio Conte previewed the clash.

Both teams come into this game looking for a win and progression into the final. For Milan, it is a chance to instantly recover after dropping another two points to a newly promoted side, whilst Napoli have lost two games in a row.

Of course, progression in the competition is enough of a motivator in itself, but the lure of extra money for the season can be a great aid to both coaches.

Conte’s preview

Ahead of the game, Massimiliano Allegri has spoken to the press, and he covered several topics, including the upcoming mercato. Now, on the eve of the fixture, Conte has discussed his team and their aims, and MilanNews have relayed his full press conference.

What kind of moment is this, and what kind of match are you expecting?

“During the year, there are always more positive and less positive situations. We were coming off five wins, then we lost two, but it’s inevitable that there are different moments.

“The important thing, and I always say this, is to continue working with dedication, desire, determination, and the right enthusiasm, which is the best way to face victories and defeats, if not in the same way, but almost.

“If you win, you take the benefit that can bring confidence and enthusiasm; in defeat, you have to be good at analysing the reasons for improving.

“These are moments that need to be faced, especially if you play every three days, when you don’t even have time to enjoy a win, or if you lose, maybe there’s a victory. Everything always comes from work and what we give every day.”

How’s Lobotka doing, and can he change the formation?

“He played half an hour in Udine. The problem he had wasn’t serious; he returned after a week, but there are serious injuries that leave players out for a long time. His was a minor issue that’s been resolved, and now he’s ready to play.

“It’s not like he’s going to make any major changes, because the two true midfielders remain: him and McTominay. Then there’s Elmas, who’s super intelligent and can adapt, but it’s inevitable that certain characteristics need to be respected, and I know he can give us more in that regard.

“For now, we’re sticking with this, also because we have no other options, and we know this is a good option that enhances the entire squad.”

How important is Lukaku’s return?

“Right now, he doesn’t even have a few minutes under his belt. We need to be good and have the patience to wait for him when the right time comes. He’s back with the group now, and that’s a very positive thing.

“We’re talking about a player with personality, charisma, and experience who has his value within the group, like Di Lorenzo and the veterans who have been here for years. Then we’ll need to be patient and have physical tests to understand when he can return without the slightest risk of having to stop.”

What do you think of this format?

“This is a great experience for the players and me, and it’s my first Super Cup, with a semifinal and a game away from Italy. We all want to enjoy it to the fullest, giving it our all and hoping to possibly extend our stay until Monday, but we know that everything depends on tomorrow’s match.

“May the best team win.”

There are a lot of Napoli fans here in Riyadh…

“Finding Napoli fans in Riyadh is a great feeling, something wonderful, but it’s inevitable that the more the club goes abroad, the more it becomes known and attracts more and more fans. We know that fans also draw clubs based on victories, and we try to be attractive from this perspective.”

What’s the significance of this match?

“Milan is a great team, with a long tradition, and everyone is eager to test themselves and see in these kinds of matches the level we can reach, which we must strive to maintain.

“This match is also worth a trophy, which is a significant emotional boost to try to give our best while also enjoying the event. Everyone enjoys winning, but we also want to deserve it and do it the right way.”

Whether he will change his system from the first game of the season between the sides remains to be seen.