Antonio Conte led Napoli to a nervy 2-1 victory over AC Milan on Sunday, but the usually fiery coach admitted it was “one of those days I hate being a coach.” A last-minute tactical overhaul after losing Scott McTominay forced Conte to rip up his plans, leaving him with a pounding headache—literally. Here’s how Napoli held on to keep their Serie A title hopes alive.
A Perfect Start Turns Tense
Napoli flew out of the gates at the Maradona Stadium, with Matteo Politano striking inside the first minute and Romelu Lukaku doubling the lead by the 19th. It looked like a rout against a Milan side chasing the Scudetto. But a missed penalty from Santiago Gimenez and a late Luka Jovic goal—set up by Theo Hernandez—turned the tide, setting up a frantic finish. “We dominated the first half against a strong Milan,” Conte told DAZN, though the second half tested his nerves.
McTominay’s Absence Sparks a Scramble
The morning of the match threw Conte a curveball: Scott McTominay was ruled out with flu, forcing a rethink. “I had to change everything at the last minute,” he said, grinning through the pain as he asked for a painkiller post-game. Originally set for a 4-4-2 with Jack Raspadori and McTominay wide, Conte shuffled to a 4-3-3 with David Neres stepping in. Injuries to Zambo Anguissa and others didn’t help, making it a day he’d rather forget—despite the three points.
Napoli’s Title Chase Stays On Track
This win keeps Napoli hot on Inter’s heels in the Serie A race, especially after Atalanta’s slip against Fiorentina earlier Sunday. “Inter are like a tank,” Conte admitted, praising the leaders’ depth while insisting Napoli can still compete—if they get their injured stars back. With a tough trip to Bologna next, this gritty victory showed the resilience Conte’s demanding from his squad as they eye a shot at something “extraordinary” in 2025.
A Love-Hate Day for Conte
“I hate days like this,” Conte laughed, but his bond with Napoli shines through. “I’ve settled in beyond expectations,” he said, crediting the fans’ passion as fuel for his eight-month grind. Even with rumors linking him to Milan or Juventus next season, Conte’s focus is clear: repay Napoli’s faith with results. Jovic’s late scare aside, this win proved his knack for adapting under pressure—just don’t ask him to enjoy the process.