Conte: I'm happier with Como draw than some Napoli wins
Napoli were held at home by Como in Serie A on Saturday but Antonio Conte saw plenty he liked from his side in the goalless draw.
Antonio Conte was left happier with Napoli's battling goalless draw with Como on Saturday than with previous victories his side have earned in Serie A.
The Partenopei were far from their best at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and were grateful that Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saved Alvaro Morata's first-half penalty – albeit the goalkeeper had fouled the Spain striker to concede the spot-kick in the first place.
A draw means Napoli have left the door open for Roma to go top of the table if they can win Sunday's blockbuster encounter at Milan.
But Napoli head coach Conte hailed the battling qualities his side showed in a terse encounter with Cesc Fabregas' outfit.
Speaking to DAZN, in quotes translated by Football Italia, Conte said: "We pressed high and tried to win the ball, and they did the same.
"It was a European-style game where no team sat back in their own half. I'm much happier today than after some wins, because I got a response from a real team."
Napoli accumulated just 0.32 expected goals (xG) from 10 shots, compared to Como's 1.03, which was boosted by their penalty.
Milinkovic-Savic has now saved six of his last 10 penalties in Serie A, and since the start of last season, only Nikola Vasilj (six) has saved as many penalties as the Serbian goalkeeper (five) in Europe's top-five leagues.
"I saw a match played at a very intense level," Conte added.
"In the second half we deserved something more. Many think Como are a small side just because they're called Como, but they're a real team doing great things.
"Compliments to them and to us, because we produced a serious performance despite the difficulties with players forced off."
Conte also provided an update of sorts on injured striker Romelu Lukaku.
He said: "I don't know – you'd have to ask the doctors.
"He's working hard to absorb a serious injury. His presence is always positive for the group and for himself.
"We're happy to have him around, and we'll be even happier when he's back on the pitch."
