Conte: Napoli Still Hopes To Retain Serie A Title Despite Parma Drawnewsline24

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte insists the Serie A title remains within reach after a 1-1 draw at Parma, a result that slowed Napoli’s momentum in the race with Inter. The champions dropped points despite extended pressure, leaving Napoli six points behind the leaders after 32 matches, having already played once more.

Conte acknowledged the setback yet stressed that Napoli still target first place by the season’s end. The draw halted a five-match league winning run, but Conte highlighted the broader sequence of results. Napoli also produced 20 attempts on goal, underlining control of the game despite failing to secure victory.

Napoli’s equaliser arrived on 60 minutes when Rasmus Hojlund linked with Scott McTominay, who finished with a precise strike. That goal extended McTominay’s scoring streak to three successive away league games for the first time. McTominay also became the first midfielder to hit 20 goals in each of the last two seasons across Europe’s top five leagues.

Earlier, Parma stunned Napoli by scoring after only 33 seconds, when Gabriel Strefezza met a glancing header from Nesta Elphege and finished off the far post. It was the fastest goal conceded by Napoli since January 2018, and it shaped the pattern of the match, with Parma defending deep and Napoli chasing.

Conte, speaking to DAZN Sport, underlined that the title pursuit continues despite Inter’s advantage. He said: “The dream is not extinguished, there are sixgames left, and Inter still have to play. It’s a bold dream, seeing Inter’s numbers so far, and it’s linked to those in front of us. We continue to do what we are doing, we come from fivewins, and we drew on a difficult field. It’s a shame, because we could have put 2 more points.”

Conte also analysed the early setback and tactical issues, while defending Napoli’s effort against Parma’s structure. He added: “We knew we would find a team with a very low block, the approach had to be different, we had to be more careful. If you concede that goal after 30 seconds, the game is uphill. We shouldn’t have allowed Parma to take the lead. [But] the boys gave it their all, I have little to reproach in terms of desire, commitment and determination.”

The result leaves Napoli under pressure in the Serie A title race, yet still mathematically in contention with six games remaining. Conte’s comments reflected frustration with missed chances, but also faith in Napoli’s work rate and recent form as the champions attempt to close the gap on Inter.