Conte: Napoli should ring in New Year with style, hints at Neres-Kvaratskhelia pairing

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte is aiming for his team to finish 2024 on a high note with a victory against Venezia in Serie A on Sunday. The Partenopei are looking to build on their strong start to the 2024-25 season as they enter the final two matches before the winter break.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Conte expressed optimism about the team’s progress, stating: “We want to continue our good form and give our fans something to celebrate as we head into the new year. These past five months have been intense, but coaching Napoli is both rewarding and demanding.”

When asked about potential lineup changes, Conte hinted at the possibility of pairing David Neres and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in attack: “It’s always possible to see different combinations. Neres and Kvaratskhelia are both difference-makers, so we may see them start together at some point, depending on the tactical needs of each match.”

Conte refrained from setting specific targets for the season, instead emphasizing continued improvement: “Our goal is to keep accumulating points and challenging at the top. We’ve made good progress so far with 38 points, but there’s still a long way to go in the season.”

As Napoli look to solidify their position near the top of the table, Conte is focused on closing out 2024 strongly before the team can fully assess their standing heading into the new year.