Antonio Conte praised Napoli's 'excellent' response during the second half of their 3-0 win over Empoli.

The Partenopei maintained the pressure on Serie A leaders Inter by closing the gap to three points once more with six games remaining.

Napoli led 1-0 at half-time thanks to Scott McTominay's goal, and they found another gear after the break with Romelu Lukaku doubling the lead, before McTominay's second put the result beyond doubt.

And Conte was thrilled by the "very high level" his players produced at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

"Today, at half-time, I told the players to approach the second half as if the game was still 0-0, and to go out and win it," the head coach said.

"The response was excellent. The performance was a very high level, and I believe the crowd appreciated it, too."

Conte also believes his side deserve extra credit for staying in touch with Inter, who are currently in with a chance of completing a treble.

As well as leading Serie A, the Nerazzurri are 2-1 to the good against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, while they are also involved in a Coppa Italia semi-final against rivals AC Milan.

"We are in an emergency, but I don’t want my players to have excuses," Conte added. "We are there, three points below [Inter].

"Our target was to disturb, and we've been disturbing a team that has proved to be really strong, not just in Europe. A complete squad that is doing really well in Europe.

"I think somebody, the newspapers and the media, should thank Napoli for keeping the title race alive.

"Otherwise, we would be talking about a finished season, and there would be fewer talks on TV shows, and fewer newspapers would be sold."

McTominay's brace took his tally for the season to eight Serie A goals, a personal best during a single campaign in the big five European leagues.

Meanwhile, with a goal and two assists, Lukaku became the second player across those divisions this term to reach double figures for goals (12) and assists (10) after Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (27 goals, 18 assists).

Conte was pleased with the duo's performance against Empoli, but emphasised the importance of teamwork in obtaining the victory.

"Lukaku and McTominay made an impact, but this victory is the result of everyone's hard work," he said. "It is the success of a group that has always responded when called upon, and that is now starting to reap the rewards of their efforts."