Antonio Conte has extra motivation for Napoli to beat Cagliari this evening and explains why Romelu Lukaku is given his first start for the club. ‘He is an important player for us.’
It kicks off at the Unipol Domus stadium at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).
This had been a difficult start to the campaign for the Partenopei, who were flattened 3-0 by Verona, but have since beaten Bologna and completed a comeback victory over 10-man Parma in stoppages.
“It has been over a year and a half since Napoli won three games in a row, so this could be strong motivation for us,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.
“We know the first weeks of the season are tough for everyone, especially as the transfer window closed so late, it will require time for everyone to settle down. The best recipe to help us through it is to get as many points as possible.”
Conte and Napoli relying on Lukaku
That fightback was sparked by Lukaku coming off the bench for his debut and this evening the former Chelsea striker gets his first start.
“Romelu arrived three days before the end of the transfer market, so this has been the first opportunity we’ve had to really work with him and get him back in shape.
“He still has margin for improvement, but is an important player for us,” concluded Conte.
Lukaku did not go on international duty with Belgium for the Nations League, preferring to remain and work on his fitness at the Napoli centre, even training on days off.
New signings Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour both scored for Scotland last week, but they are on the bench along with summer signing David Neres.