Serie A
Napoli coach Antonio Conte believes his players are giving their all as they remain firmly in the race for their second Serie A title in three years.
The games are coming thick and fast for Serie A leaders Inter Milan and, after reaching the Champions League semi-finals in midweek, they face a tricky away test at fifth-placed Bologna on Sunday as they continue their title defence and treble hunt.
Second-placed Napoli are feeling the heat in the Serie A title race as they host AC Milan on Sunday with Antonio Conte's side having struggled since the departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January after only one win in their last seven league matches.
AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao admitted the pressure on him was growing after their Serie A loss at Bologna on Thursday but vowed to keep working with the same passion unless the club decide otherwise.
With one round of Serie A matches to play before Napoli and Inter Milan come face-to-face in a top-of-the-table clash, the two sides will each hope to steal a march this weekend after the title contenders have struggled to impress of late.
Napoli lead the standings on 56 points but could be leapfrogged by second-placed Inter Milan, sitting two points behind, when they visit Juventus on Sunday.
Inter Milan suffered a 3-0 loss at Fiorentina in their rescheduled Serie A fixture on Thursday, but manager Simone Inzaghi does not want to make a drama of the defeat and feels it is still too early to worry about the league standings.
Leaders Napoli continue their title bid when they host Juventus this weekend, with manager Antonio Conte looking to end his former club's unbeaten league run and protect his own record as the last coach to avoid defeat in an entire Serie A season.
Serie A leaders Napoli will need to quickly adapt to life without influential forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, coach Antonio Conte said, with the team facing a tough test at high-flying Atalanta on Saturday.
Inter went a goal down after 15 minutes but quickly bounced back through Denzel Dumfries, and Lautaro Martinez put them in front ahead of the break before the defending champions slowed down after the restart and had to settle for one point.
AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca acknowledged the challenges posed by missing players and recent form but expressed satisfaction with his team's hard-earned Serie A win at Hellas Verona on Friday.
AC Milan head coach Paulo Fonseca said the club understood the frustration of the fans after his team were booed at the end of the goalless Serie A draw with Genoa at the weekend and were eager to make amends when they visit Hellas Verona on Friday.
Champions Inter Milan, struggling with defensive injuries and coming off a tough loss in the Champions League, face a pivotal test against Lazio as they fight to stay in touch with Serie A leaders Atalanta.
Frustrated AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca accused referee Federico La Penna of not showing his side enough respect after they were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta in Serie A.
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has been pleased with his side's progress so far this season but the Italian is not getting carried away by their impressive start as they lead Serie A in what is shaping up to be a tight championship race.
The Frenchman has been out of work since parting ways with French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg in July, having previously managed Premier League club Crystal Palace.
Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi believes leaders Napoli have become stronger and are very well organised under new coach Antonio Conte and added that his side were ready for a great match in Sunday's top-of-the-table Serie A showdown.
Teenage forward Francesco Camarda will start his first game for AC Milan in place of the injured Alvaro Morata against Cagliari in Serie A this weekend, manager Paulo Fonseca said on Friday.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has fond memories of his time at Inter Milan but the Italian said on Friday that his side will give no quarter when his league leaders face the reigning champions in a top-of-the-table clash in Serie A.
Revitalised Napoli face a demanding test when they welcome in-form Atalanta on Sunday hoping to solidify top spot in Serie A while second-placed Inter Milan host lowly Venezia.
