Conte: ‘Napoli believed to the end’ as Hojlund and Elmas welcomed | OneFootball

Antonio Conte insists he would’ve ‘been happy with a 0-0’ result against Cagliari, so was overjoyed at Napoli’s last-gasp winner, also welcoming Rasmus Hojlund and Eljif Elmas to the squad.

The Partenopei were increasingly frustrated in their first match of the season at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, failing to break down a rugged Sardinian defence and their former goalkeeper Elia Caprile.

However, deep into stoppages at the 95th minute, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa swept in the Alessandro Buongiorno assist to give them all three points. What did Conte think on the touchline?

“Finally!” he told DAZN Italia.

“You all saw what happened, it was your typical game where you run the very big risk of defeat. I would’ve even been happy with the 0-0, because we played as a real team, with patience, trying to find the way through.

“It felt like the goal was cursed, while Cagliari were very, very intense, I didn’t expect them to be this defensive. We did not allow them counter-attacks, which was the most important thing, as when you are dominating like that, you run the risk. We are improving in terms of concentration and intensity, we believed to the end, and were rewarded with the winner 20 seconds from the end. I am very happy.”

Conte in need of new attacking options at Napoli

NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli head coach, reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

They struggled to get a goal with Lorenzo Lucca and Italy Under-21 international Ambrosino their only centre-forward options.

Romelu Lukaku will be out of action for three to four months after a serious thigh injury, so Hojlund will undergo his medical tomorrow, arriving on loan for €6m with obligation to buy for €44m if Napoli qualify for the Champions League.

“When you are up against teams who defend so deep, with two lines of players, the best thing to do is move the ball around and spread them open,” noted Conte.

“Or you can have crosses and fill the box. We did both those things, but weren’t always ready to meet the crosses from Spinazzola and Politano.

“These are matches where you need patience, you mustn’t be frenetic. Lucca was signed to learn from Romelu, but seeing as Romelu got hurt, he needs to speed up the process by himself and understand how to get into certain team movements.”

NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli head coach, gestures during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Rasmus Hojlund landed this evening and will complete his transfer from Manchester United tomorrow with medical tests, while Eljif Elmas is also returning to the Stadio Maradona from RB Leipzig.

“I’ve said that we signed players who can give us a hand for the present and will be the future of Napoli too. We tried to grow and complete the squad, because last season we didn’t have European competition, so were based around 12-13 players,” continued Conte.

NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Lorenzo Lucca of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“This year, we need to introduce new players into a squad that won the Scudetto. It’s only been two games, I try to choose the players who give me the most guarantees, and naturally that is mainly those who were here last season.

“Unfortunately, David Neres felt a pain in his adductor this morning, so we preferred not to risk him tonight. Noa Lang will get more playing time as we go forward.

“Buongiorno is back from injury, but Juan Jesus always confirms he is ready whenever called upon. Ambrosino made his debut today, as we need players like him and Vergara who can bulk up the numbers, and they are youth products.

“Elmas could’ve been handy tonight, as he can play in midfield, Hojlund should arrive too. We’re trying to do things the right way, knowing that the squad was not capable last season of handling all the competitions we have this year,” concluded the coach.