Napoli's recent defeat to Benfica highlighted the toll of fatigue on the team, according to Antonio Conte. The Partenopei, dealing with numerous injuries, lost 2-0 at Estadio da Luz. This marked their sixth match in just 18 days. Richard Rios and Leandro Barreiro scored for Benfica, extending Napoli's away losing streak in major European competitions to five games.
Conte acknowledged his team's exhaustion after a demanding schedule. "The truth is that we weren't sharp from the very start," he told Sky Sport Italia. "In those [previous] games, we used up a lot of physical and mental energy. " He anticipated the challenges due to the packed fixture list and noted that it eventually took its toll on the players.
Napoli's performance was affected
by fatigue, as they fielded the same starting XI that played against Juventus in Serie A. Conte praised his squad for their efforts during this busy period despite their evident tiredness. He remarked on their lack of sharpness and decision-making during the match against Benfica.
The coach explained how a mistake in pressing led to a dangerous attack from Benfica, which unsettled Napoli early in the game. "We wanted to be aggressive but made a mistake with the press," Conte said. This error resulted in Napoli being too stretched out and not aggressive enough in their pressing during the first half.
Despite these challenges, Conte expressed pride in his players' determination. "The lads were generous; they tried to the very end to give their all," he stated. However, he admitted that the cumulative effect of so many games had impacted their performance quality and decision-making.
Napoli's defeat left them 23rd in the league-phase table, just one point ahead of Benfica in 25th place. Their chances of advancing to the knockout play-offs are now uncertain. The reigning Scudetto champions will face Copenhagen on January 20 before hosting Chelsea eight days later.
90+8 - Full time#BenficaNapoli 2-0 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/pQlIZDzSq8
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) December 10, 2025
Conte refrained from blaming his players for their performance, acknowledging they gave everything they had under challenging circumstances. He recognised that playing six matches consecutively every three days inevitably affects performance levels over time.
Despite these setbacks, Conte remains proud of his team's efforts and commitment throughout this demanding period. The focus now shifts to upcoming fixtures as Napoli aims to secure progression in European competition amidst a challenging schedule.
