Napoli
Napoli coach Antonio Conte justified his decision to field a heavily changed starting line-up in Thursday's 3-1 loss at Lazio, saying the Coppa Italia round of 16 match provided him the opportunity to make assessments and avoid injuries.
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has been pleased with his side's progress so far this season but the Italian is not getting carried away by their impressive start as they lead Serie A in what is shaping up to be a tight championship race.
Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi believes leaders Napoli have become stronger and are very well organised under new coach Antonio Conte and added that his side were ready for a great match in Sunday's top-of-the-table Serie A showdown.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has fond memories of his time at Inter Milan but the Italian said on Friday that his side will give no quarter when his league leaders face the reigning champions in a top-of-the-table clash in Serie A.
Revitalised Napoli face a demanding test when they welcome in-form Atalanta on Sunday hoping to solidify top spot in Serie A while second-placed Inter Milan host lowly Venezia.
Inter Milan and Napoli are the favourites to win the Serie A title, Juventus manager Thiago Motta said ahead of Sunday's league visit to rivals Inter.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte acknowledges that Saturday's home game with lowly Lecce, where he started his playing career, will stir emotions but knows the Serie A leaders have a job to do.
Last term Napoli sacked two managers and finished a disappointing 10th but Conte takes his side to Empoli without needing to concern himself with resting players, unlike his main title contenders Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan.
After a surprise defeat to Hellas Verona in their opening league match, Napoli have gone unbeaten and sit four points clear of Juventus in the table after a 3-1 home win against Cesc Fabregas' side.
Napoli are ready to contend for trophies again after a poor last season, forward Giacomo Raspadori said after a 5-0 demolition of Serie B side Palermo on Thursday that set up a Coppa Italia last-16 tie against Lazio.
Napoli showed unexpected courage and defended well, Juventus coach Thiago Motta said after the visitors held his side to another goalless draw in Serie A on Saturday.
Financial details of the transfer were not revealed by either club but British media reported Napoli paid 30 million pounds ($39.47 million) for the 31-year-old.
Napoli recovered their spark in an entertaining victory in front of home crowd after they were humiliated 3-0 last week at Hellas Verona, who finished the previous campaign three points above the relegation zone.
Premier League Everton have signed Napoli midfielder Jesper Lindstrom on loan with an option to make the move permanent in 2025, both clubs said on Friday.
No details were given, but Italian media reported the 31-year-old has penned a two-year contract after leaving AS Roma last month, having played 151 matches for the club.
Napoli's defence of the Serie A title has long since ended and they must beat Fiorentina on Friday to have any hope of playing European football next season.
Napoli fought back to hold visitors Barcelona to a dour 1-1 draw in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday as Victor Osimhen cancelled out Robert Lewandowski's opener.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed that Victor Osimhen will leave the club at the end of the season, while also ruling out that Jose Mourinho will come on board to coach the Serie A club.
Napoli's pursuit of a top-four spot took a hit as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Monza, who missed a penalty, after the hosts spurned several chances in their Serie A clash on Friday.
Serie A champions Napoli host league leaders Inter Milan on Sunday, with the title defenders looking to show the title pretenders that they are not out of the Scudetto race just yet.
