Lazio late show denies Napoli a vital victory
A last-gasp Boulaye Dia goal earned Lazio a 2-2 draw against Napoli, which risks being knocked off top spot in Serie A having failed to hold out for a win.
Napoli is unbeaten in its past 10 matches in Serie A, since a 1-0 loss to Lazio, but for the third time this season, it failed to beat Marco Baroni's side.
Napoli, now on 56 points, is two points above Inter Milan which could leapfrog it if it beats Juventus on Monday (AEDT). Lazio remains fourth, but also risks dropping down should Juve triumph at Allianz Stadium.
Gustav Isaksen put Lazio in front after six minutes, scoring the earliest Serie A goal against Napoli this season, with an excellent shot from distance.
However, Napoli was back on level terms just seven minutes later as Giacomo Raspadori nutmegged Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel after playing a one-two with Romelu Lukaku.
The visitors took the lead in the 64th minute, benefitting from an own goal from Adam Marusic, who was unfortunate to turn Raspadori's deflected strike past Provedel.
But Lazio fought until the end and ensured it would take more points from Conte's side as Dia netted his first goal as a substitute since November 2022, sending a low shot into the far corner.
"I can't help but be satisfied with the performance. We knew the type of team Lazio is," Conte said after the match.
"There is certainly regret because in the space of 15 days we have dropped four points here at the Olimpico, two with Roma and two today.
"This match was slightly different to the one two weeks ago, this draw has a greater specific weight. We have shown that we don't want to give up regardless of the inconveniences we are encountering."
Napoli was held to a 1-1 draw at Roma on 3 February (AEDT), conceding a stoppage-time equaliser to Angelino, then it played out another 1-1 draw at home to Udinese the subsequent week.
"I really like the spirit of these guys who always want to go beyond the obstacle," Conte said.
"We would not have this ranking without this spirit, which is extraordinary for what we are doing. Someone may think differently, but today the match was positive despite our fourth change of formation.
"Those who know football and know how difficult it is to work on a formation, understand how much work is behind changing it four times in seven months.
"We move forward with our heads held high with the goal of always leaving with a sweaty shirt."
Napoli is next in action against Como on 24 February (AEDT) before it faces Inter Milan in a potential Scudetto decider a week later.
