Conte confident in Napoli´s strength in depth

Antonio Conte remained confident in Napoli’s collective strength despite the absences of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano when they take on Fiorentina.

Wingers Kvaratskhelia and Politano will both be sidelined with muscle strains, adding to the club’s growing injury woes.

Defender Alessandro Buongiorno has also been out of action for several weeks with a back injury.

But Conte is content with Napoli’s strength in depth as he looks to guide them back to the summit of Serie A.

“It’s been a week with some setbacks,” Conte said.

“We’ve been managing well so far, coping with absences, and we’ll continue to do so.

“Unforeseen events, whether small or large, are part of the season, for every team.

“We have 41 points thanks to all 24 players. Each one has contributed, and that’s the most important thing. We mustn’t depend on just one or two players.”

il 2025 degli azzurri inizia dal Franchi

Scopri le statistiche di #FiorentinaNapoli presentate da https://t.co/wAEGoQ2mwT

#ProudToBeNapoli pic.twitter.com/103zNfj1Uk

— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) January 3, 2025

Kvaratskhelia has scored five league goals and set up a further three this term, while Politano has scored just once in Serie A.

Conte also spoke highly of Fiorentina’s form, expressing deep respect for the way they have played attacking football to climb to fifth in the standings.

“I always respect other teams but we shouldn’t fear anyone. We respect them because they’re doing well; they have great players and are the fastest team in terms of speed bursts during a match,” Conte said.

“We must respect them, but at the same time, we need to play our own game and continue to grow.”

Cone added that he was still building the team for a long-term project.

“We’re in the process of building something. It takes time and patience,” he said.

“I’m proud of the players, their commitment and attachment to this club.”

Napoli will have to be particularly wary of Moise Kean on Saturday.

Among Serie A players this season across all competitions, Kean is the top scorer with 15 goals.