Napoli manager Antonio Conte praised his players for their “strong response” in Saturday’s 3-1 comeback victory over Udinese, a result that keeps them in contention at the top of the Serie A table.
Conte’s men initially fell behind to Florian Thauvin’s 22nd-minute strike but responded strongly after halftime, with Romelu Lukaku and Frank Anguissa finding the net, either side of an own goal by Udinese defender Lautaro Giannetti.
Napoli have now won five of their last seven away Serie A matches (drawing the other two), including back-to-back victories on the road for the first time since last October. This season, only Atalanta (6) have managed more away wins than Partenopei.
Speaking after the game, the Italian boss told DAZN: “Udinese are a very good side and I saw a strong response from my boys.
“We have to be realistic, fearless and understand that to win you have to take control of the game, as we did today.”
Conte believed Napoli were on top of the game from the first whistle, insisting that the scoreline in the first half did not reflect his side’s dominance.
“We controlled the game from start to finish, even though we were 1-0 down. The penalty didn’t change the game for us,” he added.
“We created chances in the first half and we must continue to play that kind of football.
“Keeping possession, dominating the game, pressing high and dictating the game is crucial for us.”
Napoli are in Serie A action next on Saturday, December 21 when they will face Genoa. A win for Partenopei will see them leapfrog current leaders Atalanta, at least until the Nerazzurri host Empoli the following day.
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