Napoli could be on top in ranking of Serie A, but the coach of the team, Antonio Conte, is adamant that there is still a lot of work to be done in order to build a solid future, reported BTA.
Conte made his debut in charge of Napoli with a 3-0 defeat at Verona at the start of the season, but his side have remained unbeaten since then. However, the specialist remains cautious and is in no hurry to fall into euphoria.
"We are placed under the sign of "reconstruction”, it cannot be otherwise after only three months of work”, Conte said at a press conference ahead of Sunday's match with Empoli.
"Otherwise we would all underestimate the road ahead in a reconstruction phase like ours. We're just getting started. I can guarantee that we will rebuild solid foundations that can last over time," Conte also said.
Napoli will be without midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, who was injured during the Nations League match with Slovakia. Lobotka started all seven league games under Conte and was a constant presence as a starter last season. This will give a chance to Scottish international Billy Gilmour, who is eyeing a Serie A debut.
"This is not a very serious problem. "I'm sorry because Lobotka is fit, but at the same time it will be an opportunity to see Gilmour," Conte also said.
Napoli's bid to stay top will face a tough test away to Empoli. The Tuscan side have lost just once this season and have the second best defensive record in Serie A, conceding four goals in their seven games.
"We are talking about a team that suffered its only defeat before the break, in the last minutes and on a difficult pitch, against Lazio at the Olimpico. It is in these matches that Empoli showed a spirit of self-giving and this is an important weapon for them," Conte said.