Thu Dec 05 22:09:04 UTC 2024: ## Napoli to Rotate Squad for Coppa Italia Clash Against Lazio

**ROME** – Napoli manager Antonio Conte announced that Thursday’s Coppa Italia last-16 match against Lazio will provide an opportunity for fringe players to gain valuable playing time. With Napoli’s focus solely on Serie A this season, limited match opportunities have arisen for some squad members. While this concentration allows for a potential Serie A advantage, it necessitates strategic squad rotation to maintain overall team fitness and morale.

Conte acknowledged the situation, stating that the lack of European competition presents a challenge for player development. He highlighted the earlier Coppa Italia victories over Modena and Palermo as opportunities to rotate the squad, and emphasized that Thursday’s game against Lazio will offer another chance to assess the progress of less-utilized players.

While acknowledging Lazio as a significant opponent, Conte intends to reward players who have contributed to Napoli’s successful start to the Serie A season, even if they haven’t featured prominently on the pitch. He stressed the importance of collective effort, crediting the entire squad for maintaining high training intensity and competition.

Conte also responded to Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta’s assertion that Napoli are the favorites to win the Serie A title. Currently leading the league with 32 points, Napoli holds a one-game advantage over several contenders including Atalanta, Inter, and Fiorentina. Conte dismissed Marotta’s statement, suggesting that Inter’s focus on Napoli might overlook other potential title challengers.

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