The Azzurri claim all three points at the Stadio Maradona
Napoli defeated Hellas Verona in their first home game of the year at the Stadio Maradona, securing a fifth consecutive league win. The match was opened up by a curling left-footed strike from Giovanni Di Lorenzo, which hit the post, rebounded off Lorenzo Montipo’s back, and found its way into the net. The win was put to bed just past the hour mark with a powerful and precise left-footed finish from Frank Anguissa to make it 2-0. Both goals were set up by Romelu Lukaku.
Antonio Conte’s post-match comments:
“It wasn’t easy to impose ourselves on the opposition today, especially considering we had some absences. However, in recent matches, we’ve managed to get excellent results despite setbacks. It’s during challenging times that you see the value of the work that we’re doing, as every player who steps on to the pitch delivers a strong performance.
“Napoli have changed and grown in the last few months. Initially, we had certain requirements, but with new arrivals, tactical situations have evolved and we’ve tailored the system better to the team.
“We’ve now reached a better solution. The players respond with enthusiasm, confidence and self-belief, which makes me proud. My greatest joy for me is seeing all my players committed to the project.
“What I want to emphasise is the maturity of this squad. Despite transfer rumours, the players have maintained focus, showing a great sense of belonging and cohesion. This summer, we began a precise project and I’d never accept players seeing Napoli as a mere stepping stone. Our goal is to build a competitive squad piece by piece.”
Frank Anguissa’s thoughts:
“We’re happy because we’re playing well. We aren’t looking at the table but we are working hard to win week in, week out.
“My goal and the thoughts of the entire team, are dedicated to Daniele, a very brave young man who will always be with us in our hearts."
Giovanni Di Lorenzo on his shot leading to the opener:
“It’s a pity the goal won’t be credited to me, but I’m happy because it was an important strike to break the deadlock.
“Under Conte, I’m playing more centrally, sometimes taking up advanced positions, and we’re all pleased with these new tactical solutions. Our winning mentality is down to his personality.
“We’re on the right track. There’s certainly a long way to go, but we’re determined to give our all every day to stay at the top and try to go far.”
Matteo Politano in the post-match press conference:
“It was crucial for us to start the second half of the season strongly. We also remembered the defeat away to Verona earlier in the season and wanted to make amends.
“A lot has changed since that poor opening game at the Bentegodi four months ago. Back then, we weren’t as solid and cohesive as we are today. Now we fight and run together with a strong desire to win and the results speak for themselves."
“We need to keep this up, maintain the same intensity and build something important brick by brick and get to the top to compete until the very end.”
Napoli 2-0 Verona (HT: 1-0)
Scorers: Montipo (own goal) 5, Anguissa 61.
NAPOLI:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Spinazzola (Mazzocchi 83) McTominay (Raspadori 78), Lobotka, Anguissa; Politano (Ngonge 78), Neres (Zerbin 90), Lukaku (Simeone 78).
Coach: Antonio Conte.
VERONA:
Montipo; Faraoni (Daniliuc 77), Coppola, Dawidowicz, Magnani; Duda, Belahyane (Mosquera 84), Lazovic (Bradaric 69); Suslov, Sarr (Livramento 69), Tengstedt (Kastanos 77).
Coach: Paolo Zanetti.
Referee: Zufferli (Udine).
Notes: No bookings.
