Napoli’s Champions League win and Scott McTominay’s decisive double suggest renewed momentum, but a mounting injury crisis increases rotation risk. Betting angle: back Napoli to win or Napoli -0.5 (modest stake) in upcoming fixtures, but consider alternatives like Both Teams To Score or Napoli to win under 3.5 goals to hedge against weakened line-ups.
Conte hails resurgence as Napoli grind out vital Champions League victory
Antonio Conte insisted there was "positive energy" at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after Napoli battled past Qarabag in the Champions League, a result that could help the side navigate an escalating injury crisis. The victory followed a 3-1 Serie A win over Atalanta and suggests the team may be rediscovering form amid difficult circumstances.
McTominay delivers match-winning moments
Scott McTominay produced the decisive moments, heading in the opener and later converting an acrobatic volley that deflected in off Marko Jankovic. Rasmus Hojlund had earlier seen a penalty saved, but McTominay’s contribution proved the difference as Napoli broke down a Qarabag side that had previously drawn with Chelsea and beaten Benfica and Copenhagen.
Conte rebuilds bond with his squad
Conte celebrated with his players at full-time in a show of unity on a night that also commemorated the fifth anniversary of Diego Maradona’s passing. The manager said the atmosphere in the stadium and the dressing room fed into the performance, stressing the need for collective energy: "Energy is so important, I need to be the first to have a lot of energy that I can pass on to the team."
Injury crisis complicates Napoli’s plans
The squad’s availability is severely stretched. Miguel Gutierrez suffered a sprain in training and joins a growing treatment list that includes Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, Kevin De Bruyne, Leonardo Spinazzola and Romelu Lukaku. Conte revealed only seven players were on the bench — two goalkeepers and two young prospects — highlighting the thin options he currently has.
Rotation, risk and tactical adaptation
Conte acknowledged the dangers of overusing the same players, noting repeated minutes increase the risk of further injuries. Storm-disrupted training left the squad with only 15 minutes on the pitch the day before the match, during which Gutierrez picked up his injury. Spinazzola reported reduced adductor pain for the first time, raising hope he might return to training soon; otherwise Conte will need to find cover.
What this means moving forward
Conte framed the victory as a platform to rebuild momentum: enjoy the result, then "put the helmet on and get back to battle." With Champions League and Serie A demands, the manager must balance short-term results with squad management to avoid worsening the injury toll. For punters and analysts, Napoli’s resilience is a positive signal, but squad depth and potential rotation will be key variables in forecasting outcomes for upcoming fixtures.
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Antonio Conte insists Napoli felt ‘positive energy’ in their Champions League success against Qarabag and...
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