Conte believes that the competition in Serie A will be more balanced in the new season
2025-08-27 02:50
Napoli coach Antonio Conte said the competition in Serie A will be more balanced in the new season and insisted AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is not his only rival this season.
In the opening match of the 2025/26 Serie A season, defending champions Napoli secured a 2-0 away victory over Sassuolo, thanks to goals from McTominay and De Bruyne. Elsewhere, Inter Milan and Juventus both secured wins, while AC Milan suffered a shock 1-2 defeat to Cremona.
Napoli coach Conte said: "We have had a good pre-season. All teams need a little time to get into shape at the beginning of the season. We are well aware of this, but we have done a good job in preparing in training."
"This season will be very balanced. I think the 'Big Three' will return, although it won't be a 'return' for Inter Milan. They performed very well last season and have been at the top for the past three years, with excellent seasons. The other two giants will definitely return, and their squads are strong enough to achieve good results. We must give our all and draw conclusions at the end of the season."
Conte stressed, "This will not be a one-on-one challenge. There are 20 teams in the league and we are all competing with each other. It is everyone against everyone. I think this will be a very exciting and balanced season. Everyone must work hard. Allegri will do his best for AC Milan and I will do my best for Napoli."
"Napoli exists for football and there is a lot of passion here. We know that Napoli's results have a direct impact on the fans' emotions. Whether it is a positive or negative situation, we have to deal with this."
Conte also said, "I have always said that we can't have any complaints at the end of the game. The fans can see and understand. We have to give our all, even if sometimes such efforts are not enough to win."
