Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Saturday, April 25, 2026, 11:18 / Updated Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:21
Napoli managed a decisive victory with Cremonese (4-0), an opportunity for Antonio Conte to continue the psychological war with Inter and the other rivals in Serie A. The champion's coach boasted of the title won in 2024-2025 and the Italian Super Cup won in December.
Even if Napoli only postpones the verdict on the new champions in Serie A by a week, its coach does not stop throwing ironies at the opposing camps. Friday night's victory added water to the mill, after two winless legs, 1-1 at Parma and 0-2 at home to Lazio.
In a season in which he has the alibi of numerous injuries in the squad, Antonio Conte wanted to remind the fact that the Azzurri team has put a trophy on display each in the last two seasons: lo scudetto in 2024-2025 and the Supercup in the current one, after the triumph in the final against Bologna in Riyadh (2-0).
Antonio Conte reached 700 appearances as a coach in his career with clubs and the national team in the match with Cremonese, having won 407 / Photo: GettyImages
“With Lazio it was an atypical match. We had 70% possession and 11 shots on goal. Lazio didn't dominate, but we fought on our own! Today, we were much more focused and aggressive.
It was a very good match, the players knew how important these three points are. It strengthens our position in the Champions League, you are in second place, you relax and wait for the matches of the other teams”, said the Italian coach.
Antonio Conte: Inter can lift two trophies, but last season they won none. Let's all remember, not just the fans!
Then he returned to his trademark speech: “The boys deserve it because no one can know how much work has been put in these two years. Every draw and defeat feels like the world is falling apart.
If you don't win the scudetto it's a failure. This ambition never existed here, we changed geography in two years. We have to finish the season on a good note, knowing that we have repeated Maradona's achievements.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis turned him back in the summer on his way to Juventus. Will he still manage to keep Antonio Conte at Napoli? / Photo: Imago
Don't forget that Napoli haven't won the title and the Supercup since then. We all need to remember that, not just the fans. All eyes are on us, something I don't see happening with other teams!
So far, we are the only ones who have lifted a trophy. Inter can win two, but last year they won none! Maybe it's a communication problem, only our negative aspects are highlighted. But maybe that's okay.”
Cristi Chivu can mathematically make Inter champions in next weekend's match against Parma and has the chance to achieve the “event” if the Nerazzurri also win the Coppa Italia. The final will take place on May 13, at “Olimpico”, against Lazio.
