Conte's side claim 1-0 victory
Napoli earned a third win on the trot in the league on Sunday afternoon when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia converted from the penalty spot with just over an hour on the clock after Matteo Politano was upended in the box.
Here’s all the post-match reaction:
Antonio Conte: “I’m pleased with the win, but I’m not satisfied with our approach and first-half performance. We were spectators and didn’t show our strength. When I say something before games, it’s not for nothing. Today we played at a difficult ground, which historically hasn’t been easy for Napoli."
“In the second half, we saw a different game, we freed ourselves mentally, and we were good at taking control. Today I saw a team that was too nervous and tense coming on to the pitch. We need to fix this because being at the top of the table shouldn’t bring pressure or tension. It should bring responsibility but also the desire to enjoy this journey.
“I constantly preach about balance, and that must be the correct approach. I’m thrilled for the fans who got behind us at the Castellani. We need to draw positive energy from the love that surrounds us, but we also need to be calm, grow, improve and build resilience. Being top should be a stimulus, not a burden. In any case, credit to my players because winning here isn't easy.”
Giovanni Simeone, who made an immediate impact after coming on, offered his analysis of the game:
“We are hungry for victory and today we showed it once again. Whether starting or coming off the bench, everyone gives their all for the team.
“There are tough games that need to be approached in a 'dirty' way, fighting and sacrificing. We’re a united group that follows the coach’s instructions. We work hard in training and we want to continue down this path with determination. We’re not looking at the standings. We’re purely focused on growing and improving over time with hard work.”
One of the best players on the pitch was Alessandro Buongiorno, who expressed his satisfaction after the win by the odd goal:
“It was a hard-fought win that the whole team wanted. Those who came on gave us a big hand and raised the overall performance level.
“We knew it’d be a tough challenge and that we’d have to fight to earn a very important win at a difficult ground. We showed both strength and character, and we managed to take home the three points. We need to keep this mentality going from game to game.”
Empoli 0-1 Napoli (HT: 0-0)
Scorer: Kvaratskhelia 63 (pen).
EMPOLI: Vasquez; Goglichidze (Henderson 79) Ismajli Viti; Gyasi Anjorin (Haas 79) Grassi (Solbakken 72) Fazzini (Ekong 78) Pezzella; Esposito Colombo (Konate 86).
Coach: Roberto D'Aversa
NAPOLI: Caprile; Di Lorenzo Rrahmani Buongiorno Spinazzola (Olivera 59) Anguissa Gilmour McTominay Politano (Mazzocchi 86) Kvaratskhelia (Neres 76) Lukaku (Simeone 59).
Coach: Antonio Conte
Referee: Abisso.
Booked: Anguissa, Grassi, Di Lorenzo.
