Serie A: Antonio Conte blasts Napoli's first-half display, admits Billy Gilmour struggled as win v Empoli keeps top spot

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Napoli retained the sole lead at the top of Serie A after beating Empoli 1-0 thanks to a second-half penalty from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Head coach Antonio Conte was unimpressed with his players' approach to the game, saying they "were spectators" in the first half, lacking "fire or determination". He also admitted Scotland international Billy Gilmour "struggled a bit" on his full debut.

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Antonio Conte blasted Napoli for being “spectators” in the first half of their 1-0 win over Empoli on Sunday, but was pleased with a reaction that saw them avoid going “from elation to depression".

Napoli travelled to Tuscany knowing they needed to pick up points to retain the sole lead of Serie A following Juventus’ victory over Lazio the night before.

But they were outplayed in the first half by an Empoli side that has been one of the surprises of the season so far, and had not conceded at home all season until Khvicha Kvaratskhelia converted a second-half penalty.

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“We were spectators in the first half, without any fire or determination, only a lot of nerves,” Conte told Sky Sport Italy.

“Maybe it was from the fact that we had to defend first place, but to say that after eight games makes me smile, thinking back to last year (when Napoli finished 10th).

“We must take first place in the table with the right kind of responsibility, not with nerves.

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“Enjoy what we are doing and face the matches without the burden of watching other teams, only thinking about ourselves.”

Conte was particularly unhappy with the way his team started the game after explaining the dangers that Empoli posed before kick-off.

“I warned my players and when I give warnings, I don’t do it to protect myself but because I study the opponents,” Conte said.

“Nobody has scored here in Empoli, and they are one of the most in-form teams. Nothing is easy. For me ‘on paper’ doesn’t count, only the pitch.

“Today we could have received a big blow, and we would have gone from elation to depression. We need to celebrate every match that we win, because you always have to work for it.”

Gilmour "struggled" on debut

Conte also reacted to Scotland international Billy Gilmour’s full debut as the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea midfielder started for the first time in Napoli colours.

“It was his first game, he was growing into it. In the first half he struggled a bit, in the second half he did a lot better like the whole team,” Conte said.

“I’m happy that we have him here, he is a great player. It was not easy today, the performance overall is positive and he is an important option for us.”

The win was Napoli’s third in a row in Serie A and extended their unbeaten run to eight games across all competitions, stretching back to the opening day of the season.

Conte was appointed in the summer in the wake of a disastrous title defence for Napoli in 2023/24 that saw them finish outside the European places.

His side sit top of the standings with 19 points, three clear of Juventus, while reigning champions Inter Milan can close the gap to two points when they face AS Roma on Sunday night at the Stadio Olimpico, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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