Conte Hails McTominay and Lukaku Impact in Napoli's Win Over Verona

Napoli manager Antonio Conte praised Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku after the duo played key roles in the team's 2-0 Serie A win over Hellas Verona.

Napoli manager Antonio Conte heaped praise on Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku, the club's two high-profile signings, after they played crucial roles in the team's 2-0 Serie A victory over Hellas Verona on Sunday. The win marked Napoli's fifth consecutive league success, solidifying their position at the top of the standings, four points ahead of Inter Milan.

Conte's side took the lead early in the match when Giovanni Di Lorenzo's shot rebounded off the post and Hellas Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo, resulting in an own goal. Frank Anguissa sealed the win with a powerful long-range shot, securing the three points for Napoli. Despite the team's impressive performance, Conte acknowledged that he is still experimenting with tactics to best utilize his squad's strengths.

According to Conte, McTominay and Lukaku have been instrumental in Napoli's success, particularly in their ability to adapt to the team's playing style. The manager's comments highlighted the significant impact the two new signings have had on the team, helping Napoli maintain their position as league leaders. As the season progresses, Conte will likely continue to rely on the duo to drive the team's success.

Napoli manager Antonio Conte has acknowledged that the team has undergone significant changes since the summer, particularly in terms of tactics. “There have certainly been changes since the beginning of the summer, especially as I am still trying to find the right tactics for this team,” Conte told DAZN. The arrival of new players has been a key factor in shaping the team's strategy, with Conte noting that the signings of Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku have made a significant impact.

Conte revealed that the team has experimented with different formations before settling on their current 4-3-3 setup. “The arrival of Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku, in particular, made a big difference to the switch to 4-3-3. We tried a couple of different formations before we settled on this one,” Conte explained. The manager expressed his satisfaction with the team's progress, observing that “there is more confidence, and the whole squad is involved.”

In addition to discussing the team's tactics and development, Conte also addressed the situation surrounding forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has expressed a desire to leave the club. Conte emphasized that he bears no ill will towards the player, stating, “It's a disappointment for me, not for the player or the club.” The manager took responsibility for failing to change the situation, saying, “In six months I failed to change the situation. I believe a coach should help a club to make decisions and advise on what players to sign. When I realise that I was unable to make a difference here, that is my disappointment.”

Conte went on to praise Kvaratskhelia's character, describing him as “a good lad.” However, the manager also acknowledged that the player must make his own decisions about his future. “I take nothing from Khvicha, he's a good lad, but everyone has to decide their own destiny, just as the club has to make its decisions,” Conte said.