Oriali: Conte a ‘world-class coach’ but Napoli results unexpected

VENICE, ITALY – MARCH 16: Napoli manager Antonio Conte before kick off at the Serie A match between Venezia and Napoli at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on March 16, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Lele Oriali, coordinator of Napoli’s technical team, admits neither he nor Antonio Conte expected to be just three points below the table leaders with just nine games remaining and insists the Italian is a ‘world-class coach.’

Napoli have only won one game from the last seven, but remain second in the Serie A table, just three points below leaders Inter.

With nine games remaining, the Scudetto is an obvious target for Conte’s men.

“We are ready for anything. The goal at the beginning of the season was to qualify for European competitions, preferably through the main door, and so far, I don’t think we can complain,” Oriali, an Inter legend and one of Conte’s closest collaborators, told Radio CRC on Friday via TMW.

“The team has done very well so far, and we are happy with what we have achieved. The hope is that the players return from international duty in good condition and without any injuries.”

Oriali admitted that he didn’t expect Napoli to be in such a good position at this stage of the campaign.

“To be honest, if I said otherwise, I’d be lying: neither I nor the coach expected to find ourselves in this position in the standings with nine games left in the season,” he said.

Oriali: Conte a ‘world-class coach’ but Napoli results unexpected

“We came here with the idea, intention, and conviction to do well, but we were certain we wouldn’t be where we are now.”

Napoli regained stability under Conte after changing three coaches in the previous season.

“When we arrived in Naples, we immediately found a very collaborative environment. We were helped by the fact that the team was coming off a negative season, and the players were eager to bounce back and start over,” Oriali argued.

“The players made themselves available, did what we asked of them, and understood our vision. Now, we are seeing the results.

“We try to convey to the players that important results can be achieved through hard work, sacrifice, and sweat. The players have done this by making themselves available, but they haven’t lifted their heads yet—they will do so on the final matchday.”

Oriali already worked with Conte at Inter and with Italy national team.

“The coach is a key part of a club’s success, and Antonio is crucial in this,” said the former midfielder.

“A strong coach like him gives the team something extra. As I’ve said before, Antonio Conte is a world-class coach.

“Antonio Conte has many strengths but also many flaws, like everyone else. He is someone who is well-liked by all because of his ability to involve everyone, both those who play and those who don’t. He is straightforward, loyal, and sincere, even though this can be a problem in some cases—especially in our environment, where there are successful losers and liars. However, Antonio stands out for his ability to create a heterogeneous, united, and cohesive group. This is also why we are seeing results.

“A coach has a significant impact on a team. Otherwise, we would all be coaches today. I have worked and collaborated with some of the best coaches in the world, and I can confirm what I have said,” Oriali concluded.