Conte: Venezia vs Napoli ‘like a World Cup Final’

Antonio Conte feels Napoli must treat the upcoming match against strugglers Venezia ‘as the ultimate World Cup Final.’

The Partenopei visit Venezia on Sunday in a crucial Serie A match.

Later in the evening, in fact, third-placed Atalanta will host table leaders Napoli.

“Every match always hides dangers, just look at Inter vs. Monza to understand that. Nothing is guaranteed,” Conte said at a press conference on Saturday via TuttoNapoli.

“We’re facing a team in good form, fighting to stay up, and they will play their cards. We’ll have to put in an excellent performance, and that’s what I expect.”

What will be more important in the last ten games of the season? The technique, the tactics or the mentality?

“Training these guys throughout the week has definitely helped us a lot this year; otherwise, it would have been tough from every point of view,” Conte argued.

Conte: Venezia vs Napoli ‘like a World Cup Final’

NAPLES, ITALY - MARCH 09: Giacomo Raspadori of Napoli (hidden) celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates and staff during the Serie A match between Napoli and Fiorentina at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) — NAPLES, ITALY – MARCH 09: Giacomo Raspadori of Napoli (hidden) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates and staff during the Serie A match between Napoli and Fiorentina at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 09, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“It has helped us, and even when difficulties came, we were good at always finding a solution. Ten games are left, and we approach them with a well-balanced tactical setup where every detail will matter. But I don’t look at all ten. I focus on the next one, which has to be treated as the ultimate World Cup Final.

“Against Venezia, we have to show that we are better than them, hungrier than them, and more eager to win, knowing that they will try to steal our ideas,” Conte continued.

“I’ve studied the teams that played there and the difficulties faced by Inter, Roma, and Lazio, who only managed a draw. It won’t be a walk in the park. I expect a great match. It will require maturity and proof that we are fully focused.”

Not even Atalanta-Inter will influence Conte and his lads.

“I think I’ve gotten you used to hearing me talk only about the next match, focusing on ourselves,” the Partenopei boss said.

“Everything we’ve built, we’ve done by looking at ourselves with blinders on, without getting distracted or influenced by what’s around us. And we will continue this way.

“When you reach the final third of the season, every game becomes harder. You start seeing the objectives, and the pressure and stress increase,” Conte added.

“Whether you’re playing against a team fighting for the title or battling to avoid relegation, it makes no difference.

“It all depends on us and how we approach the matches. What I always say, and will never stop repeating, is that you can lose a game, but the opponent must prove they were tactically and technically superior. However, we cannot afford to be beaten in terms of desire and will to win. We should never come second to anyone in that regard.”

Topics

England match like Wales' World Cup final - George

England vice-captain Jamie George says the Six Nations finale in Cardiff will be like a "World Cup final" for Wales as they seek to end a 16-match losing streak.
BBC News - 5d
Conte responds to Juventus links with two-word message

Antonio Conte has been linked with the Juventus job, but the Napoli coach argues that ‘media games’ are ‘an art’ in Italy: ‘Any answer can create something.’Juventus coach Thiago Motta is ...
Yahoo Sports - 4h
Saintfiet aims to 'write World Cup history' with Mali

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet hopes to break new ground by guiding the Eagles to the Fifa World Cup finals for the first time.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Isak vs Van Dijk: The Duel That Could Decide the Carabao Cup Final

Alexander Isak vs Virgil van Dijk: The Key Battle in the Carabao Cup FinalThe Carabao Cup final is set to witness one of the most compelling individual duels in European football: Newcastle’s ...
Yahoo Sports - 6h
Liverpool vs Newcastle: EFL Cup Final Preview | Mac Allister Misses Out – Predicted Lineups

Liverpool vs Newcastle – EFL Cup Final Preview Date – 16th March 2025Venue – Wembley Kick-off – 16.30After Liverpool was knocked out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage, they must now...
Yahoo Sports - 10h
Napoli Put Their Hands on Up-and-Coming Empoli Defender

Napoli have reached an agreement in principle with Empoli for Luca Marianucci. The parties are ironing out the final details and could announce the deal in the next few days already. The Azzurri ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Is Chelsea vs Man City on TV? How to watch Women’s League Cup final

The League Cup final kicks off a run of four clashes in just 12 days between Chelsea and Man City
Yahoo Sports - 7h
FIFA, Infantino can have a World Cup halftime show: Just end it in 15 minutes

I don't mind FIFA adding a Super Bowl-style halftime show during the 2026 World Cup final -- as long as they don't mess with the most important thing in soccer: halftime can't be longer than 15 ...
ESPN - 6d
Liverpool vs Newcastle prediction: Merseysiders to clinch narrow Carabao Cup triumph?

Follow our football betting tips as Liverpool face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Carabao Cup Final: Liverpool Face Newcastle in Wembley Showdown

Liverpool vs Newcastle: Match Preview, Team News and How to WatchWembley Awaits as Liverpool Face Newcastle in Carabao Cup FinalLiverpool and Newcastle lock horns at Wembley this Sunday in a ...
Yahoo Sports - 11h
Report – Bayern Munich Face Two Major Injury Concerns Ahead Of Champions League Quarter-Final Clash Vs Inter Milan

Kim Min-jae and Manuel Neuer are reportedly at risk of missing Bayern Munich’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Inter Milan.According to FCInterNews, the former Napoli defender could be ...
Yahoo Sports - 7h
Liverpool vs Newcastle team news, TV channel and how to watch Carabao Cup final

The Carabao Cup holders Liverpool face a Newcastle team who have not won a major domestic trophy in 70 years
Yahoo Sports - 7h
One Man Troubles Liverpool’s Captain Like No Other

This year’s Carabao Cup final could see Europe’s most threatening striker come up against its strongest center-back.
The New York Times - 4h
Pick your England XI for World Cup qualifiers

Who would you select to start for England in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Thomas Tuchel's first matches in charge?
Yahoo Sports - 1d
The best stats ahead of the Carabao Cup Final

Journey to WembleyNewcastle UnitedNewcastle United 2-0 Arsenal - Carabao Cup Semi-Final Second Leg - 5 February 2025Arsenal 0-2 Newcastle United - Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg - 7 January ...
Yahoo Sports - 10h
Fujino returns for League Cup final

Aoba Fujino is set to return to the starting line-up ahead ahead of City's League Cup final clash with Chelsea.The Japan international had been ruled out of our previous two fixtures with a foot ...
Yahoo Sports - 7h
Injured Neymar out of Brazil World Cup qualifiers

Brazil star Neymar was on Friday ruled out of upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina after a thigh injury scuppered his recall to the national team.With Brazil down in ...
Yahoo Sports - 18h
Injured Alexander-Arnold out of League Cup final

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley with an ankle injury.
BBC News - 1d
Eddie Howe: 'Chance to make history' in cup final

Eddie Howe has said Newcastle United have the chance to make history by beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
ESPN - 1d
Alexander-Arnold to miss Carabao Cup final

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to miss this weekend's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United through injury.
ESPN - 22h
Trump to lead task force for 2026 World Cup

President Donald Trump created a task force Friday to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, which will bring the globe's premier soccer tournament to North America.
ESPN - Mar. 8
Chelsea vs Man City LIVE: Women’s League Cup final result and reaction as Blues win after late own goal

Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City: Yui Hasegawa’s own goal against the run of play settled the final
Yahoo Sports - 4h
SoFi testing 'hybrid' pitch ahead of '26 World Cup

SoFi Stadium will debut new grass field technology for Concacaf Nations League games next week as a test run for World Cup 2026, the Los Angeles World Cup host committee announced Thursday.
ESPN - 1d
Alexander-Arnold a doubt for Carabao Cup final

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is a doubt for the League Cup final after sustaining an injury in Tuesday's Champions League loss to PSG.
ESPN - 2d
Scotland's Clarke 75% sure he will leave after 2026 World Cup

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke says there is a 75% chance he will not renew his contract after the 2026 World Cup.
BBC News - 3d
Pick your England XI for World Cup qualifiers using Tuchel's squad

Who would you select to start for England in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Thomas Tuchel's first matches in charge?
BBC News - 1d
USWNT's Girma ruled out of cup final for Chelsea

United States defender Naomi Girma will miss Chelsea's League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday through injury, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has confirmed.
ESPN - 1d
Valiant City edged out in League Cup final

Manchester City’s gutsy League Cup final display proved to be in vain as we were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea.Mayra Ramirez grabbed the opener inside eight minutes when she bundled home Chelsea’s first r...
Yahoo Sports - 4h
Man City boss Taylor sacked five days before cup final

Manchester City sack head coach Gareth Taylor just five days before the Women's League Cup final.
BBC News - 5d
Ramirez gives Chelsea early lead in League Cup final

Mayra Ramirez gives Chelsea the lead against Manchester City in the League Cup final at Pride Park in the eighth minute.
BBC News - 5h
Welsh Cup: Connah's Quay beat Llanelli to reach final

Connah's Quay reach the Welsh Cup final for the second successive season by beating Cymru South leaders Llanelli Town in Aberystwyth.
Yahoo Sports - 4h
Neymar ruled out of Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers, Endrick named as replacement

Brazilian superstar Neymar has been ruled out of the World Cup qualifying games this month due to a thigh injury, confirmed by La Selecao.The Santos star was named in Brazil’s squad for the World ...
Yahoo Sports - 6h
Odermatt wins fourth alpine skiing World Cup title

Switzerland's Marco Odermatt wins his fourth consecutive World Cup overall and giant slalom crystal globes with a second-place finish at Hafjell.
Yahoo Sports - 2h
Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold to miss League Cup final in injury blow

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the League Cup final against Newcastle with an ankle injury that leaves the defender facing an extended spell on the sidelines.- 'Perfect game' - League ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Hendrick: “Salah has never lost to Newcastle” ahead of League Cup final

Liverpool v Newcastle: A League Cup Final with History on the LineCup Clashes Through the DecadesLiverpool and Newcastle United have a long history, but their encounters in cup competitions have ...
Yahoo Sports - 19h
NWSL regular season arrives as Orlando Pride aim to defend title; Liverpool vs. Newcastle in Carabao Cup final

Elsewhere in the Golazo Starting XI newsletter, Thomas Tuchel names his first England squad
CBS Sports - 1d
Newcastle's task vs. Liverpool in Carabao Cup final made harder by missing first-choice left-side starters

Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall are unavailable which will make a Newcastle win a tall order
CBS Sports - 22h
Where are Trent Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon? Liverpool vs. Newcastle lineups for EFL Carabao Cup final

Several notable key players will be missing when Liverpool and Newcastle square off at Wembley
CBS Sports - 7h
Trump creates 2026 FIFA World Cup task force

"I think it's going to make it more exciting," Mr. Trump said of playing the World Cup amid sharp rhetoric between leaders of the host nations amid the on-again, off-again tariffs.
CBS News - Mar. 7