Conte urges Napoli to savour the moment after going top of Serie A

NAPLES, Italy: Napoli coach Antonio Conte said it was time to “enjoy the moment” after his side took a major step toward the Serie A title with a 2-0 win over Torino on Sunday. The victory sent Napoli three points clear at the top of the standings and secured their return to the UEFA Champions League after a season’s absence.

Two first-half goals from Scott McTominay were enough for the home side, as defending champions Inter Milan suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Roma, allowing Napoli to seize the initiative in the title race.

“It’s not the first time we’re in the lead, we’ve been in the lead more than anyone else,” Conte said in his post-match press conference. “However, there are fewer and fewer games and you can pay for any type of mistake in a big way. We are mathematically in the Champions League, a very important economic goal for the club, and you have to enjoy it at least a little.”

Napoli, who lifted the Scudetto in 2023 but slumped to 10th last season, are now closing in on another league crown. With four matches left, Conte urged caution but praised his players’ focus: “Before the game I told them that nothing had changed and that we had to win, with great motivation. The lads were very good, driven by an extraordinary environment.”

Napoli now face a favourable run-in, with matches against relegation-threatened Lecce, and lower-half sides Genoa, Parma, and Cagliari to conclude the season.