Antonio Conte Rallies Fringe Players, Says One Game in the Champions League is “Worth 60” in Serie B

Antonio Conte has provided the latest Napoli injury update ahead of their trip to Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Napoli head into matchday seven of the Champions League under genuine threat of elimination, with just a point separating them from safety.

Antonio Conte’s troubling European record has once again been called into question this season, with fans accusing the Napoli manager of ‘tanking’ their Champions League campaign in favour of a strong domestic season.

For now, they are hanging on tentatively to a play-off round berth, and it is still mathematically possible to secure automatic qualification, albeit a remote possibility in reality.

They lock horns with Copenhagen on Tuesday night, who currently occupy the final play-off spot. They are level on points with Napoli but behind only on goal difference, so this clash is likely to have huge ramifications in the makeup of the final standings.

Although riding an unbeaten run of eight games, the Azzurri have also lost ground in the Serie A title race after three straight draws.

While they got their season back on track with a narrow 1-0 victory against Sassuolo last time out, Napoli were once again hit by injury problems.

Napoli Injury Update vs Copenhagen

Napoli, who are already contending with a handful of season-altering injuries, lost both Matteo Politano and Amir Rrahmani against Sassuolo.

The pair will be ruled out for the trip to Denmark, along with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and long-term absentee Kevin De Bruyne.

David Neres’ injury timeline looks to be extended, with the Brazilian not expected to return until February.

Romelu Lukaku returned to training and has been included in the squad to face Cophenagen. Whether he will make his first appearance of the season since picking up an injury in pre-season remains to be seen, but he may be handed minutes on Tuesday.

Antonio Conte Bemoans Packed Schedule and Rallies Fringe Players to Seize Opportunity

Antonio Conte is certainly not one to shy away from expressing how he feels. Speaking to the press ahead of the match in Copenhagen, the Italian revealed his concern over the welfare of his players, amid a jam-packed schedule.

“We’ve come off a big run, playing every three days, I think this is our fourth game in nine days. That’s absurd,” he said.

“Those who put the schedule together should understand that footballers are subjected to extreme physical and mental stress.”

He continued by rallying some of Napoli’s fringe players who have been promoted from the Primavera side in recent weeks to remedy their injury problems.

Napoli’s recent injury problems has opened to door for those hoping to break into the first team. Antonio Vergara, who was handed his first start of the season against Sassuolo, may play a part again on Tuesday.

“As for the guys like Vergara, [Giuseppe] Ambrosino, [Luca] Marianucci, we also had two lads from the Primavera side, they have to stay switched on and be ready because we need them.

“They’ve been training with us, they’ve made a lot of progress. Playing one game for Napoli is worth as much as 30 in Serie B. Playing one in the Champions League is maybe worth 60. I’m happy to have them with us and to see their growth.”