Conte: ‘Lukaku trained on days off’, De Laurentiis’ emotions prove commitment | OneFootball

Antonio Conte reveals Romelu Lukaku trained on his days off during the international break and feels Aurelio De Laurentiis’ emotions during a press conference on Thursday prove ‘the commitment from his family.’

Napoli will visit Cagliari at the Sardegna Arena on Sunday, but Conte spoke to the media two days before the match.

The Partenopei have earned six points in the opening three games, and Conte is pushing for a third consecutive win, which the team hasn’t accomplished in one and a half years.

Conte signed a three-year contract with Napoli 100 days ago.

“These days have surely been intense,” Conte said, as quoted by Tutto Napoli.

“We’ve worked a lot on and off the pitch, and I am satisfied. We’ve given a direction in these 100 days.”

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had picked up a knock in his latest international match and Conte did not confirm that the Georgian would surely start.

“He had a problem in his ankle, we’ll assess him the next two training sessions,” he said.

Romelu Lukaku, on the other hand, seems fit and ready to start against Cagliari. The Belgian already scored on his debut as a substitute against Parma before the break.

Conte: ‘Lukaku trained on days off’, De Laurentiis’ emotions prove commitment

“He has used the break to get in shape. There was great commitment, and he also came to the training ground on his days off. There is a great desire. He is improving in everything. There are two more training sessions, then I’ll decide.”

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis made headlines on Thursday as he struggled to hold back the tears during a press conference. ADL has recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his presidency.

“The De Laurentiis family has been committed for 20 years, and it’s hard to see such a long commitment from an Italian family for a football club. Listening to his words and seeing his emotions, you understand his family’s commitment towards the Napeolitans. It was very important. He also spoke about growth off the pitch. I come from an experience in England and know the importance of a training centre for youth teams. These are crucial steps. When I arrived at Inter, Appiano was a disaster, but we worked a lot on the pitches and the facilities. Now, it’s a crown jewel. At the end of the season, a sporting centre can bring some points.”

“We’ll face a tough team,” continued Conte, talking about the Cagliari match.

“Davide Nicola is an underestimated coach who has done well everywhere. We’ll find a hot environment and a place where Napoli have always struggled. We must go there knowing that we need consistency. I’ve read that we haven’t won three consecutive games in one and a half years, so there is great motivation. We are working, and we are focused on an important and tough match.”