Conte Planning Early New Year’s Party for Napoli Against Venezia
Napoli are gearing up to close 2024 on a high as they prepare to host Venezia in Serie A on Sunday. Sitting just two points behind league leaders Atalanta, the Partenopei are eager to maintain their title challenge under Antonio Conte. While Napoli enter the match as heavy favorites, Conte has cautioned against underestimating their struggling opponents.
Napoli’s Stellar Season Under Conte
Chasing Atalanta
Napoli’s resurgence under Antonio Conte has been remarkable. After clinching the Scudetto in 2023, the team has continued its strong form, currently sitting second in Serie A with 38 points. They trail Atalanta by just two points and remain firmly in the title race.
Mixed Home Form
Despite their overall success, Napoli’s home form has been inconsistent of late. After winning their first five home league games, they’ve lost two of their last three at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. However, they’ve already matched their total home wins from last season (six), showcasing significant improvement.
Conte’s Optimism and Caution
Aiming for a Festive Finish
Conte is determined to end the year with a victory, both for the fans and the team. Speaking at a press conference, he said:
“We hope to close out 2024 with some more joy for the fans, for ourselves, to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style.”
The Napoli coach also reflected on the intensity of his tenure so far:
“These have been five very intense months, lived to the max. The environment is beautiful and passionate.”
Respect for Venezia
Despite Venezia’s position near the bottom of the table, Conte refuses to take the match lightly.
“Everyone is thinking of an easy victory just because Venezia are second to last, but if we see the home games of Juve and Inter [against Venezia] we should at least be worried.”
Conte emphasized the importance of securing all three points, highlighting Venezia’s disciplined approach under their coach.
Napoli’s Key to Success
Giving It Their All
Conte has instilled a mentality of leaving everything on the pitch.
“We must leave the pitch with the feeling of having given our all, without saying we could have done better.”
Eyes on Atalanta
Napoli will also be watching Atalanta’s clash with Lazio on Friday. If Atalanta stumbles, Napoli could seize the opportunity to reclaim the top spot with a win against Venezia.
Venezia’s Struggles
Poor Away Form
Venezia, currently 19th in the league with just 13 points, are enduring a miserable run of away games. They’ve failed to win any of their last 16 away matches in Serie A, drawing four and losing 12.
Conte’s Warning
Despite their struggles, Venezia have shown resilience in matches against top teams like Juventus and Inter. Conte’s caution underscores the potential challenge they pose.
What’s at Stake for Napoli?
Title Race Momentum
A win against Venezia would keep Napoli hot on Atalanta’s heels and boost their confidence heading into 2025.
Fan Support
With the passionate Napoli fanbase behind them, a victory would cap off a successful year and strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters.
Conclusion
Napoli’s clash with Venezia represents a crucial opportunity to end the year on a high note. While the odds favor the Partenopei, Antonio Conte’s focus on discipline and effort reflects his understanding of the unpredictability of Serie A. With the title race heating up, every point matters, and Napoli will be determined to secure a festive finish to 2024.
FAQs
1. Where do Napoli stand in the Serie A table?
Napoli are second in the Serie A table with 38 points, two behind leaders Atalanta.
2. What is Venezia’s current form?
Venezia are 19th in the league and have not won any of their last 16 away games in Serie A.
3. How has Napoli performed at home this season?
Napoli started strong with five consecutive home wins but have lost two of their last three home matches.
4. What has Antonio Conte said about the match?
Conte emphasized the importance of giving maximum effort and cautioned against underestimating Venezia despite their poor form.
5. Can Napoli reclaim the top spot in Serie A?
If Napoli beat Venezia and Atalanta drop points against Lazio, Napoli could reclaim first place.
