Napoli ready to take the Milan stage, says Conte
Antonio Conte says his Napoli team is ready to take to the San Siro stage and face the challenge of AC Milan as it looks to extend its lead at the top of Serie A.
The defending champion is perfect so far this season, with four wins from four matches and 12 points, and could stretch its lead over second-placed Juventus to four points after the Bianconeri drew for the second straight match with a 1-1 draw against Atalanta.
Napoli maintained its 100 per cent record with a 3-2 win at Pisa last time out, which came after victories against Sassuolo, Cagliari and Fiorentina.
Despite leading the way in the Italian top-flight, Conte refuses to be drawn into the conversation about being favourite for a second straight title.
“Personally, I thought it was crazy when people called us favourites given that we had finished 10th, out of European competitions, in the previous campaign,” Conte said.
“I don’t label anyone as favourites. I just know, and I repeat, that Milan, Inter and Juve, because of their history, tradition, wages and financial value, have always written important chapters in football history.
“They are strong teams. As for who is the favourite or not, I’ll leave those games to the media. We just need to stay focused.”
Conte knows Milan will provide a stern test for his side, coming into the match on a three-match winning streak after losing just the opening game of the season.
But despite this run, Rossoneri boss Massimiliano Allegri still believes, unlike Conte, that Napoli is the favourites to win the Serie A title this season.
Milan is currently three points behind Napoli in third place, but could go top of the table with a win at San Siro.
“Tomorrow we face Napoli, who deservedly won the Scudetto last season,” Allegri said.
“They had an important transfer window, and I still believe they’re the favourite for the title. Conte is excellent at getting the best out of players.
“In their past 26 games, they won 18 times. In recent years, Milan has always lost at home against Napoli. We hope to overturn those numbers. It will certainly be a great match.
“It’s a great game, the first big match of the season. It will be an important test.”
