Napoli Meets Atalanta's Tough Opponent, This Is Antonio Conte's Answer

Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is ready to bring Napoli to Atalanta. (X/@sscnapoli)

JAKARTA - Atalanta is definitely not an easy opponent for Napoli who wants to secure the throne of the Italian Serie A standings. Coach Antonio Conte said Napoli firmly did not underestimate Atalanta in the big match which was held at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Sunday, November 3, 2024 evening WIB.

Napoli became a surprise in Serie A competition. Although still one of the teams to be reckoned with, the 3-0 defeat against Verona in the first match was a surprise in the competition.

The defeat showed Conte had to make a reshuffle. Napoli did successfully win the Scudetto in the 2023 season when they were handled by Luciano Spalletti. But in the following season, they took turns closing the competition by ranking 10.

The aftermath of two coaches, Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri, became victims of dismissal. The team was then handled by interim coach Francesco Calzona until the end of the season.

Conte also rebuilds a messy team. Even when they played their first match in the competition, Partenopei had to suffer an embarrassing defeat to Verona.

The defeat was a valuable lesson for Conte and his team to improve. As a result, Napoli were unbeaten in the next nine matches. This is the second surprise from Napoli because they are able to top the standings. Even Napoli, who have point 25, are already four points ahead of defending champions Inter Milan who are in second place.

Napoli also became the team with the most solid defense because they had conceded five goals. This means that Napoli's goal only conceded twice during these nine matches.

Conte could still smile during the 11th week because whatever the result of the match against Atalanta, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia et al's position was unshakable at the top.

However, Conte ensured that he would not waste a three-point opportunity when playing home games. Atalanta was no less surprising in this season's competition. They played the first three matches with the result of defeat.

But now La Dea can even perch in third place with 19 points after recording four consecutive wins. G My side Piero Gasperini's team also returned to fight in the Champions League after winning the 2024 Europa League.

"They are a team that has competed in the Champions League for years. They are one of the strongest and more reckoned with," Conte was quoted as saying by Football Italia.

"We respect Atalanta and Gasperini for showing outstanding performance over the years. While I was still playing at Juventus, he was already a coach in the junior team," he said.

"I really respect him. This is all because of his hard work so that he reaches a position like now. You will not be able to win the Europa League if you don't have a strong team," Conte said again.

Atalanta's brilliant performance made Napoli a difficult match. But Conte dismissed if the match included a fight for the Scudetto. Because the competition is still long and anything can still happen.

"I don't know if this match is one of the ones fighting for the Scudetto. However, what is certain is that both teams want to qualify for the Champions League [next season]. Atalanta is an example for us how they built a solid team for years. Even though they sold their best players," Conte said.

Napoli had good capital before taking on Atalanta. They showed their best form when they beat AC Milan 2-0. After facing Atalanta, Napoli met again with a tough opponent from Milan, Inter.