Conte calls for calm heads ahead of crunch weekend
Antonio Conte urged Napoli to remain calm as it bids to clinch the Serie A title on Saturday.
Napoli is one point ahead of Inter in the standings going into the last game of the season at home to Cagliari.
Napoli could win the Scudetto for the fourth time in its history after 1986-1987, 1989-1990 and 2022-2023; so far, no team from central-southern Italy has ever won the Scudetto more than three times (Roma also three).
If Napoli is to lift the trophy, it will become the first side in the history of a 20-team Serie A to win the Scudetto after a 10th-place finish in the previous season, beating the record of Juventus, also under Conte, in 2011-2012.
"We have come through a very demanding season, and clearly this could be the last match that closes a season for me in a new place, a new environment, where we obviously feel the responsibility to give Naples, the fans, something beautiful and historic," Conte said.
Conte will not be on the bench after emotions ran high in the scoreless draw against Parma last time out, resulting in him and Parma coach Cristian Chivu both getting sent off after getting involved in a shouting match.
"I regret not being there. After a season like this, you want to be there, with your fans, to lead the team," Conte said.
"There is great trust in my staff, as always, in the fans, in the atmosphere that will be there, and even if I will be in the stands, my heart will be there.
"We have had everything from them [fans], closeness in positive moments and in negative moments when we faltered a bit. They immediately had faith in the whole group. What I feel like saying is to continue being who they are."
Conte said he will treat the Cagliari match like a normal game.
After its win in the reverse fixture (4-0 in September), Napoli is looking to win both of its matches against Cagliari in a Serie A season for the first time since 2018-2019 under Carlo Ancelotti.
Napoli only need to match Inter's result to claim top spot, though a win would ease any nerves. However, the last three matches between the Partenopei and Cagliari that have been played in the second half of the season have all ended in a 1-1 draw, including the most recent one in February 2024.
"Tomorrow there is Cagliari, a good team, and we have to play our game, respecting the opponent 100 percent. If we respect them, we will have more chances to win," Conte said.
"We know very well that the work has brought us here today to talk about something special. We have to try to finish the job."
