Conte is still dreaming of the Scudetto after Parma’s draw

Despite rescuing a point against Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, Napoli manager Antonio Conte still believes his team can retain the Scudetto.

Although admitting that  Napoli have regrets after the 1-1 draw at Parma, the former Chelsea boss insisted that there is ‘a fine line’ between success and failure.

The Partenopei missed a precious opportunity to further close on leaders Inter Milan, who face a tricky trip to Como on Sunday evening, but failed to take it.

Parma proved themselves once again with an early goal that became a big problem for the Scudetto holders, making it the third consecutive Serie A draw between them.

Gabriel Strefezza needed just 33 seconds to give the hosts the lead.

In search of a way back into the game, Napoli poured forward throughout but rarely tested Zion Suzuki other than the Scott McTominay equaliser.

Speaking with DAZN Italia while viewing the goal when Alessandro Buongiorno and Juan Jesus both went for the same long ball, Conte said these situations were practised over and over again in training, but the match situation can be a bit more emotional, and the wrong choices are made.

“We have worked on this. It’s a pity, because we knew that Parma would sit very deep in the final third, we saw they also put Delprato as a wingback, when usually he’s a defender, so it was more of five at the back.”

Napoli dominated possession with 74.5 percent and put in 37 crosses, but rarely tested goalkeeper Suzuki.

Speaking on the early goal conceded, Conte said there are such fine margins between the team that wins and the team that doesn’t, adding that they should’ve been more focused, instead of conceding an early goal.

At least Napoli needs to secure a Champions League spot for next season if they eventually fail to land the Scudetto. The defending champions are now six points off  Inter.

So much depends on what happens at the Stadio Sinigaglia, as their hope could be kept alive should Inter lose Cesc Fabregas men again.