Conte predicts eight-team tussle for Serie A crown
Antonio Conte reaffirmed his belief that up to eight teams can win Serie A this season when asked about his Napoli side's chances of retaining the Scudetto in 2025-2026.
Conte's side made a winning start to its Serie A title defence with an opening-day victory over Sassuolo, with Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne on target.
That result saw Napoli extend its unbeaten run to 13 matches – eight wins and five draws – which is the longest streak across the top five leagues in Europe.
Napoli returns to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to face Cagliari this weekend, an opponent it beat on the final day of 2024-2025 to lift the Serie A crown.
"We won the Scudetto with authority, enduring pressure as well. What I expect is focus and intensity, like in that match," Conte added.
"We were a team that stepped onto the pitch knowing exactly what we wanted to do. It will be another game tomorrow, the second one, and Cagliari will want to confirm the good things they did against Fiorentina.
"So, if we think we're Napoli, and we'll win just because we have the Scudetto on our shirts, we'll make a big mistake. If we match the intensity that they will bring, then we'll deliver an excellent performance.
"As I said before the start of the season, it will be a very difficult league, as always. There will be a great balance. I see seven or eight well-equipped clubs, and there will be a real battle.
"I say this very honestly, it's going to be tough. There are seven, eight sides that are strong enough to aim for everything."
Conte is also hoping his Napoli side will be able to learn from the "masters" of the UEFA Champions League ahead of its return to Europe's top table this season.
After the draw for the league phase of Europe's elite competition in midweek, Napoli's 10 games will see it face the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Benfica.
But having missed out on a spot in the UEFA Champions League in 2023-2024, Conte acknowledged that while excited about the tournament, his side is focused on Cagliari this weekend.
"We are delighted to participate in this competition," Conte said. "It is the top competition a club can play in.
"From our side, there is enthusiasm and a desire to play, and we do it with a lot of humility, trying to learn from the masters of this tournament and those who have already won it, just like good students.
"Perhaps one day we will surpass our teachers. Right now, however, we are focused on the league because the next match is the most important one, against Cagliari, so our minds and focus are entirely on Cagliari."
