Conte: ‘Napoli have grown through hardship – no excuses in Lisbon’

NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, applauds during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Antonio Conte called for clarity, composure and personality as Napoli prepare for a decisive Champions League trip to Benfica, stressing that his squad must “leave the pitch without regrets” despite another demanding week and a mounting list of absences.

Speaking at Estádio da Luz on the eve of the match, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Napoli coach opened by saluting José Mourinho ahead of their first meeting in Europe.

“We’re talking about a great coach, his CV speaks for itself. It will be a pleasure to meet him again,” Conte said, shutting down any attempt to stir tension between the two benches.

Conte insisted Napoli’s approach cannot change simply because of the occasion or the standings. “Every match must be important for us. We come here with maximum concentration, but also with a clear mind. It’s a football match, worth three important points for both teams,” he explained.

With Benfica stuck on three points and needing a win to keep their campaign alive, Conte expects an intense night in a famously hostile arena.

He acknowledged Mourinho’s remarks about the injury situation but played them down with typical pragmatism. “It’s fine. There are objective things, of course, but it’s Napoli versus Benfica. They need to win at all costs, and we also need points. I just hope it’s a good match.”

Conte focused as Napoli look to build on win over Juventus

Conte highlighted the physical and mental effort his team spent against Juventus and warned that recovery will be crucial.

“We come here wanting to give our best. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but we must play a real Napoli match,” he said. The coach praised his squad’s resilience during a period marked by weekly setbacks: “There’s been growth in responsibility. With so many problems, the group has stayed compact, united, full of energy.”

He also reflected on the broader European landscape. “Serie A has become more European. The real gap is in squad depth, in England, Spain and Germany the top teams have extraordinary rosters. Tactically, though, Italy has taught a lot,” he noted.

Looking to erase the memory of the defeat in Eindhoven, Conte said the message to his players was simple: “We can’t forget what we’ve done, good or bad. We know our strengths and weaknesses. We want points, and so do they. If they prove stronger, we’ll congratulate them.”

Napoli enter Lisbon on seven points, fully aware that a result could define their path. Conte, as ever, wants clarity, courage and no excuses.