“We Played A Game Of A Very High Quality”

With two first half goals from Leonardo Spinazzola and Amir Rrahmani and Matteo Politano assisting both, Napoli manager, Antonio Conte finally got a win over Lazio manager, Maurizio Sarri but the match ended in chaos at the Stadio Olimpico in an early kick off game yesterday.

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Apart from the result, Antonio Conte had another injury concern to deal with after the win which ended with three red cards, two just before full-time. The Partenopei climbed back into second place and this was Conte’s first ever victory over Maurizio Sarri in a competitive fixture.

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Despite the victory, life was not made easier for Conte on Sunday following a second-half injury to in-form winger David Neres. The Brazilian, who has six goals and an assist across his last 11 appearances, went down injured in the 66th minute after playing a routine short pass to Stanislav Lobotka in the right half-space.

The ball was knocked out of play for Neres to receive treatment shortly afterwards. Neres was in visible pain while clutching his ankle, and required help from two members of Napoli’s medical staff while making his way off the pitch. He winced in pain each time he had to put weight down on his left foot.

The Brazilian was eventually replaced by Pasquale Mazzocchi in the 70th minute.Neres adds to a Napoli injury list that already includes Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and Sam Beukema and they will probably be out for their next two games, Hellas Verona and Inter Milan.

In a chaotic finish to the match, it ended with just 19 players on the pitch and Tijjani Noslin was the first to go: The stand-in Biancocelesti striker was booked in the 69th minute for his role in an off-the-ball scuffle, and was then given his marching orders for a clumsy challenge on Alessandro Buongiorno in the 81st.

Then, just a few minutes before the full-time whistle, both Mazzocchi and Adam Marusic were shown straight red cards for instigating a scrap on the touchline. The full-backs clashed on the ball, Marusic appeared to lightly kick out, which drew a response from Mazzocchi.

Before you knew it, they were both grappling each other, Conte was in the middle trying to separate them while half the dugouts emptied. Both players earned straight red cards and will be suspended for the 19th round of Serie A fixtures which is a midweek fixture, starting from Tuesday.

As for Conte, he believes that his Napoli side are showing ‘great signs’ after a 2-0 victory away but was less pleased when it came to answering questions on potential transfer dealings as the Naples based club have to sell a player if they hope to make a signing of their own this January.

Speaking to DAZN after full-time, Conte gave a brief update on Neres. “For Neres, we’ll have to wait for tomorrow’s tests. It’s not a muscular thing. We hope it’s nothing serious, we’ve faced a lot of injuries for a long time,” Conte confirmed in his post-match interview.

And then focussing on the match itself, Conte said: “I have to congratulate the lads, playing with this level of technical ability and physical strength without letting Lazio play is not easy. We played a game of a very high level of quality.” He continued in his assessment of the match.

They were particularly dangerous on their right flank, and Conte was asked about his tactical approach after full-time. “When you have time to properly prepare for matches, you try to get the most out of your players and look for the areas where you can hurt the opposition. The application was exceptional,” he said.

“Maybe we’re lacking a bit of selfishness because we’re creating so much, but I’m really happy given what’s happened to us with all the injuries and absences. We’re showing great signs, the victories are coming against great teams who play with quality.” He further added.

“Now we have to play every three days without much of a chance to rotate. We hope that we don’t have to pay for constantly using the same players.” Lastly, Conte was asked about Napoli’s potential dealings in the January transfer window, but admitted that he does not like talking about incomings or outgoings, particularly after last year.

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“I don’t touch on these topics. Last year I said let’s not do too much, and then we sold Kvaratskhelia. What we need is there for all to see. I have to be the coach and make the most out of what is given to me. I know that the demand on me is always very high. Along with the guys, we will try to do our best.” He concluded.

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