all the targets from Juve to Marotta

NAPOLI – Remove pressure, divert attention, neutralize provocations. If the primary objective of Antonio Conteon the pitch, is to win matches, when he wears the role of the leader of the people and the psychological protector his aim becomes different: to lighten the minds of his players, pass the buck on the opponents and, when necessary, not to disdain some long-distance skirmishes. This time it was Don Antonio himself who opened hostilities, coldly, a few hours after the victory over Cremonese: “We are not ready to command. Not like Juventus, Milan and Inter, in terms of structures, salary and asset value.” An apparently surprising statement for a team that has the scudetto on its chest, that has just won the Super Cup and is only two points away from the top, but it is a message consistent with the “Contian code”. The message is twofold: to protect his group, which has the aim of remaining in the running for the tricolor in a difficult championship full of injuries and – at the same time – to reiterate his favorite role, that of the wary underdog. It’s a proven tactic, which worked at Juventus, Chelsea and Inter. Last year, with the NapoliConte elevated this philosophy to a popular mantra, coining the slogan: “Cca’ nisciun è feso”. That message was a warning against external pressures and provocations, but above all towards internal euphoria. A way to lock down the locker room.

Juve, Milan and Inter in the crosshairs: Conte’s mental game

Don Antonio proposes the same script, but with a twist: download everything about Juventus, Milan and Inter. The “big three” in terms of history, budget and infrastructure become the ideal target. “I’m ahead”says Conte: it is an implicit invitation to shine the spotlight on them, to let them be Chivu, Allegri e Spalletti to manage the favorites label. He did it last season too, when he said “whoever wanted a bicycle must pedal”. It’s his modus operandi. Say “we are not ready” it’s not self-harm: it’s strategy. It means keeping your guard up and preventing players from feeling like they’ve already arrived. Last year, in the midst of the championship fight, the coach from Salento never went too far. His diktat has always been to “wanting to annoy” and stay nearby until the end.