Sacchi: Conte ‘will scold’ Napoli players after 3-2 win over Pisa

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 5:43 AM ET

Arrigo Sacchi believes Antonio Conte will ‘scold his players’ after a 3-2 win against Pisa: ‘That’s his method and so far, it has brought great results.’

Napoli took the top spot in Serie A on Monday, beating newly-promoted side Pisa 3-2 at the Stadio Maradona.

It was not a perfect performance from the defending Serie A champions, but goals from Billy Gilmour, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Lorenzo Lucca allowed the Partenopei to take all three points and move two points clear of second-placed Juventus.

“Now the challenge will be to manage the understandable euphoria around the team and keep the whole group focused. I don’t think Conte runs this risk as Napoli seem to have restarted the new season with a great attitude,” Sacchi wrote in his latest column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Knowing Conte, he’ll scold his players for conceding two goals and will say he isn’t completely satisfied. That’s his method and so far, it has brought great results.

Sacchi impressed by Napoli’s ‘solidity’

“What impresses me about Napoli is the solidity they show in every department,” Sacchi continued.

“Of course, difficult moments will come, as they always do in a season, but when you have these technical, athletic and moral qualities, you’re in a very strong position. In other words, you have the resources to overcome problems.”

Conte already showed signs of displeasure during a post-match interview with DAZN, saying that most of his players are not accustomed to the pressure of playing two games per week.

Sacchi, however, seems to have a different view.

“It must be said that the credit also goes to President Aurelio De Laurentiis, who backed Conte’s requests in the transfer market,” wrote the ex-Milan coach.

Sacchi: Napoli have ‘clear tactical identity’

“Therefore, Napoli are ready to face the double challenge of Serie A and Champions League, rotating players, giving rest to the more tired ones and, with the right motivation, launching those who have played less so far.

“Napoli have a clear tactical identity. For a player, it’s crucial to know exactly what to do and how to move. Just look at how smoothly McTominay was integrated last season and how it has been with De Bruyne. It shows that Conte, besides being a brilliant strategist, is also a true master.”

Napoli’s next Serie A match is against Milan at San Siro on Sunday, September 28.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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