Antonio Conte claims that 'second place is just first place for losers' and remains hopeful about catching Inter. He attributes Napoli's tactics against Lazio to an injury.
Key points
Antonio Conte's statement on second place
Napoli's tactics impacted by injury
Match time for Napoli vs Lazio
Napoli's pursuit of Inter in the league
NapoliInterLazio
Conte warning for Napoli: âSecond is just first place for losersâ
Conte warning for Napoli: âSecond is just first place for losersâ
Antonio Conte insists âsecond place is just first place for losersâ and he hasnât lost hope of catching Inter, but explains why Napoli tactics against Lazio today are forced by one injury.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
Sam Beukema is preferred to Juan Jesus, who made some costly errors last week against Parma, but also means not all three centre-backs are left-footed.
Q&A
What did Antonio Conte say about second place in the league?
Antonio Conte stated that 'second place is just first place for losers,' emphasizing his desire to win.
Why are Napoli's tactics against Lazio affected?
Napoli's tactics against Lazio are influenced by a player injury, which has forced changes in their strategy.
What time does the Napoli vs Lazio match start?
The Napoli vs Lazio match kicks off at 17:00 UK time (18:00 CEST).
Who is Napoli trying to catch in the league standings?
Napoli is trying to catch Inter in the league standings, according to Antonio Conte.
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Conte explains Napoli tactical choices
CAGLIARI, ITALY â MARCH 20: Napoliâs coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SSC Napoli at Stadio SantâElia on March 20, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
âIt is a technical decision, nothing in particular. It is only right that players alternate during the season, as Amir Rrahmani and Giovanni Di Lorenzo are not ready yet, so itâs important to have options to choose from,â explained Conte on DAZN Italia.
âThe system depends exclusively on the fact we donât have a full-back available at the moment. Without Di Lorenzo, itâs tough to think of a different system. Besides, this tactic allowed us to recover during an emergency situation, I donât see why I should make radical changes right now.
âInevitably, Di Lorenzoâs injury is damaging, because he can play in a back three, as a full-back, or as a wing-back. He played practically constantly, had this knee injury, and thereâs nobody else with his characteristics in the squad.
âWeâll also see about tactics when Vergara recovers and is available.â
The Partenopei know that last weekâs 1-1 draw with Parma practically ended their Scudetto hopes, especially with Inter winning 3-0 against Cagliari last night to go temporarily 12 points clear.
They also need to look over their shoulders now to lock down second place and Champions League qualification, having already won the Supercoppa Italiana.
GENOA, ITALY â FEBRUARY 7: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 7, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
âSecond place is the first place for losers, so Iâm not sure that second or third changes much, itâs just about who qualifies for the Champions League,â smiled Conte bitterly.
âWe are currently 12 points off Inter, we saw full well against Parma that we cannot make any mistakes, or we lose two points. Our objective is to do our best, trying to look forward, but also keep an eye on those behind us, because one or two slip-ups can change a great deal.â
CREMONA, ITALY â DECEMBER 28: Coach Antonio Conte of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giovanni Zini on December 28, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
There has been a lot of talk around the future of coach Conte, who has not ruled himself out of the running for a return to the Italy bench.
