Antonio Conte has reminded his Napoli players their status as Serie A champions means nothing if they do not continue showing the same fight that brought them the title last season.
Saturday’s clash against Cagliari offers an early season reminder of their recent success – with a 2-0 win over the same opponents on the final day of the 2024-25 campaign sealing top spot – but Conte has no interest in coasting on their status.
Instead, he wants the first home game of the new campaign, which began with victory at Sassuolo, to help them reset their standards.
Tactics, technique and a training match with one eye on Cagliari 👇https://t.co/dActflo6tW
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) August 27, 2025
“We can’t think we’ll win just because we have the Scudetto on our shirts, that would lead us down the wrong path,” said Conte.
“If we play with the right grit and determination, then we can achieve the results we want. The lads did well against Sassuolo, now we have to keep up the excellent work we’ve done so far and perform at our best tomorrow.
“If I think back to May 23, I remember a very fierce Cagliari team. I expect the same determination tomorrow. They’re a quality team and we must play with focus and intensity.”
Napoli’s opening day win came courtesy of last year’s star performer Scott McTominay and debutant Kevin De Bruyne and they will return to home soil ready to pick up where they left off with last term’s crescendo.
“It will be great to see our fans again three months after our Scudetto triumph,” said Conte.
“They were times of immense joy. We will embrace our supporters again with the same strength and the same union between team and fans so that we can have another great season.”
Fabio Pisacane will lead Cagliari out in his home city in just his second game as a senior coach and admits it will be a momentous occasion for him personally.
“Saturday’s match is unlike any other. It’s special because Naples is my city; my family and friends are there,” he said.
“But I have a very strong bond with Cagliari because I had some of my best experiences as a player here, and now I coach the first team. Emotions are high, but we’re also very focused on our work.”
“We respect Conte’s team, but we’re not afraid. It’s not in our DNA.”
Pisacane’s side registered a creditable 1-1 draw with Fiorentina in their first match and have since added defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta. He will go straight into the squad and could feature in either full-back position.
