EMPOLI, Italy : Napoli got here away from Empoli with all three factors on Sunday, however the Serie A leaders struggled towards cussed opponents, and supervisor Antonio Conte was content material to get the win after a disappointing opening 45 minutes.
A second-half penalty by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earned a 1-0 win, however Napoli may simply have trailed on the break as they did not get going.
Conte recalled Napoli’s dismal title defence final season and their opening 3-0 defeat at Hellas Verona in his first recreation in cost after his aspect grew to become the primary to win at Empoli on this marketing campaign.
“In the first half we were spectators, I didn’t see what we had prepared and I saw a lot of nervousness,” Conte instructed reporters.
“Certainly, what satisfies me is to have seen a reaction in the second half, the first was very negative.
“This is a troublesome place to come back, I do not know if it was because of the truth of defending the highest spot, however it makes me smile if I take into consideration final yr or how we began this season.”
Conte sent on Giovanni Simeone for Romelu Lukaku and replaced Leonardo Spinazzola with Mathias Olivera just before the hour mark, and seconds later, they were awarded the decisive penalty.
“When you’re employed through the week you put together the sport in all phases, we had ready it defensively with 4-5-1,” Conte said.
“I modified one thing from a tactical viewpoint, from a possession viewpoint. I believe it bore fruit, as a result of we noticed one other recreation.”