Conte: Napoli not yet ‘well-oiled’ for Champions League, Serie A fight

Napoli boss Antonio Conte has downplayed his side’s credentials despite their perfect start in Serie A, warning they are not yet a “well-oiled machine” capable of balancing multiple competitions.

His comments came after Gli Azzurri’s 3-2 win over Pisa on Monday, a result that kept them top of the table with four wins from four.

The statement surprised many given Napoli’s strong domestic form.

Conte, however, pointed to the strain of competing on several fronts, especially after a 2-0 loss to Manchester City in their Champions League opener last week.

Pisa clash highlights fragility

Napoli looked on course for a routine win after Billy Gilmour opened the scoring in the first half, before Pisa drew level through a penalty just past the hour mark.

Goals from Leonardo Spinazzola and summer signing Lorenzo Lucca restored Napoli’s advantage, but a late strike from Pisa’s Lorran made for a nervy finish.

Conte argued the game exposed his team’s lack of cohesion. “We, unlike others, don’t have a well-oiled squad to play a season with various commitments like the Champions League, Coppa Italia, and Supercoppa,” he said. “Players come from different backgrounds and we are still growing.”

Demands of Europe weigh heavy

The coach stressed that Napoli, unlike more seasoned European contenders, are still adapting to the physical and mental demands of playing every three to four days.

“Other clubs are systematically in Europe and therefore used to this, we are not,” Conte added. “Inevitably, that brings stress that some of these players aren’t accustomed to.”

Next test: AC Milan

Napoli will return to action on September 28 in a high-profile Serie A clash against AC Milan, who sit third in the standings.