According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Napoli president cannot accept an early exit from the league stage, especially after last season's defeat. In the past two years, 16 points were needed to directly qualify for the Round of 16 knockout stage, which is almost impossible in reality. However, De Laurentiis demands that Napoli at least make it to the play-offs.
De Laurentiis is very firm on this issue; getting through the single-round robin is Napoli's minimum goal. Conte failed to lead Napoli past this hurdle last season, with the team only getting 8 points, just 1 point shy of the minimum qualification line at the time.
That year, Napoli struggled to win away from home, losing to Manchester City, PSV Eindhoven, and Benfica, and drawing against Copenhagen. At home, they defeated Sporting CP and Qarabağ, drew 0-0 with Eintracht Frankfurt, and then lost to Chelsea at home, completely ending their chances. The president absolutely does not want to see such a trend repeated.
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