Conte: ‘Napoli must finish the job, everything else is boring’ after taking 3 point advantage

VENICE, ITALY – MARCH 16: Napoli manager Antonio Conte before kick off at the Serie A match between Venezia and Napoli at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on March 16, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Antonio Conte gives a fitness update on Stanislav Lobotka against Genoa, warning Napoli ‘must finish the job’ and shrugging off questions about his future. ‘Fans just say thank you, everything else is boring.’

They host Genoa on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT, 20.45 CET).

This could be a decisive step towards the Scudetto, as Inter play earlier with a tricky trip to Torino, distracted by reaching the Champions League Final against Paris Saint-Germain.

“We must continue and try to finish the job,” said Conte in his press conference.

“There are three games to go, we’ve got to finish the work we started last June. It’s not over yet, so we have to keep the same focus we’ve shown so far.”

The excitement is growing in the city of Naples, as they prepare to celebrate their second Scudetto in the last three years.

“The fans dream, as we all do, but I am seeing great maturity too. When I walk in the streets, people tell me ‘thank you,’ so that means the work we’re doing is appreciated and that is the greatest satisfaction.”

With that in mind, Napoli fans also get the feeling Conte is ready to walk away this summer, just as Luciano Spalletti did following his Serie A triumph.

“Trust me, the fans are not asking me that question right now,” smiled the coach.

“Aside from thank you, they ask if we’ll win. I reply we will certainly try. Everything else is boring.”

Conte gives Napoli injury updates

Napoli have a few injury problems to contend with as they host Patrick Vieira’s Genoa tomorrow, so Conte gave an update on midfielder Lobotka’s ankle.

“Lobotka returned to the squad yesterday, he trained today, and tomorrow morning we’ll make a decision after the session. He is an important player in our system, he also has experience and maturity, so I certainly would prefer not to be without him.”

If Lobotka does miss out, then Billy Gilmour is expected to step in to the midfield with fellow Scotland international Scott McTominay.

“David Neres is back in partial training, I think he can be called up to sit on the bench, just to get a sense of the atmosphere again. Alessandro Buongiorno is still out, we have to wait. Juan Jesus is dying to get back on the field, but the medical staff are telling him to slow it down.”

Conte wants ‘positive’ Napoli pressure

It is match point for Napoli, especially as they are playing a few hours after Inter and will therefore already know their result.

“Regardless of what happens, we must do well to concentrate, get the game on the positive track. I think the final two rounds will be played simultaneously and frankly I prefer that. We’ve got to focus only on ourselves, knowing we are up against a Genoa side who made life difficult for everyone,” noted Conte.

“I’ve been hearing people say it was match point when there were 10 rounds to go, then seven, five, now three, the answer is always the same, you take it one game at a time. There is pressure, but there is a positive way of experiencing stress and a negative one.

“It all depends on mentality, that’s where everything starts from. What the fans ask for is heart, and ours cannot be put in doubt, while we train the legs. What moves all those elements is the mind. I feel young players are losing that sense of resilience, being ready to overcome obstacles. Too often now, I see people who start to struggle and give up.”