Napoli manager Antonio Conte faces a tough test this Wednesday. His team is set to battle Sporting in the second round of the Champions League. Conte admitted Tuesday that his squad’s defense might be quite “patched up” for the big game. He called Sporting a “top-tier team,” highlighting the challenge ahead.
The 56-year-old coach spoke at a press conference. He noted Sporting’s standing back home. “They are a club fighting for the title in Portugal, alongside FC Porto and Benfica,” Conte explained. “They are truly a top-tier team.” He remembered facing them before. “I played against them when I managed Tottenham,” he added. “Many players from that squad have since gained valuable experience. We are up against a strong opponent, but we are ready.”
Conte’s memory takes us back to the 2022/23 Champions League. His Tottenham side had a mixed run against Sporting. Tottenham lost 2-0 in Lisbon but managed a 1-1 draw in London. Despite those results, Tottenham still topped Group D. They advanced to the round of 16. Sporting, then coached by Ruben Amorim, finished third. This meant a drop into the Europa League for the Portuguese club.
The Italian manager expressed frustration over limited preparation time. Only three days separated this crucial European clash from their recent league match. Napoli had just lost 2-1 to AC Milan, allowing their rivals to catch up. Both AC Milan and Roma now sit equal with Napoli at the top of Serie A. However, it’s the gaps in his backline that truly worry Conte.
“Spinazzola and Olivera trained separately,” Conte shared. “We are trying to get them back on the field. Right now, we only have Beukema and Juan Jesus as central defenders.” He sought solutions. “We will have to find a way. If anyone has ideas, please tell me.” Conte stressed he couldn’t simply play with one defender. “I’m thinking about putting Elmas as a full-back,” he revealed, “but we don’t have many other choices.” Adding to the defensive headaches, Di Lorenzo is also out. He was sent off earlier in their European campaign.
The Champions League journey has started differently for these two teams in 2025/26. Sporting enjoyed a strong start, thrashing Kairat 4-1 at home. Napoli, however, stumbled out of the gate. They suffered a 2-0 loss at Manchester City’s stadium. Another defeat, especially in front of their home crowd, would put the Italian side in a very difficult spot. Direct qualification for the round of 16 would become a distant dream.
Conte pointed out a tough moment in the Manchester City match. His team played with ten men from the 21st minute after Di Lorenzo’s expulsion. Beyond the tactical puzzles, Conte also addressed rumors about midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne had shown clear frustration when substituted against AC Milan. Conte firmly denied any conflict.
“I don’t like to talk about individuals,” Conte stated clearly. “We win and lose as a team. Kevin is a Napoli player. We know his capabilities, and he needs our support.” He emphasized finding harmony. “We are working to find the right balance within the squad. I repeat, everything is settled with De Bruyne.”
This article was updated at 1:30 PM.