Antonio Conte has singled out Joao Pedro as a 'truly important player' for Chelsea following their dramatic 3-2 victory over Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The win at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium secured Chelsea's progression to the last-16 stage of the competition, while Napoli's exit was confirmed.
Chelsea's Comeback Victory
The match saw Chelsea take an early lead through an Enzo Fernandez penalty, but Napoli fought back strongly before half-time. Goals from Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Hojlund put the Italian side 2-1 ahead at the interval, putting Chelsea's Champions League hopes under pressure.
Second-Half Transformation
Chelsea manager made a crucial substitution at half-time, bringing on Cole Palmer to replace Pedro Neto. This tactical change proved decisive as Palmer created both of Joao Pedro's second-half goals, turning the game completely in Chelsea's favour. The Brazilian forward's clinical finishing secured all three points for the London club.
Conte's Post-Match Assessment
When asked by Sky Sport if Joao Pedro represented the turning point in Chelsea's victory, Conte was unequivocal in his response. 'Absolutely,' stated the Napoli manager. 'Joao Pedro made the difference, he's a truly important player for them. Qualitatively, they were better in the final third of the pitch. They didn't have a ton of chances but that's the point - when top clubs shoot, they hurt.'
Conte went on to analyse his own team's performance, acknowledging areas for improvement. 'We sent in a lot of crosses and created chances, but we need to improve our finishing,' he admitted, reflecting on what might have been for Napoli.
Napoli's Champions League Disappointment
The Italian manager also expressed regret about Napoli's earlier 1-1 draw away to FC Copenhagen earlier this month, which he identified as a crucial moment in their Champions League campaign. 'I made it clear to the lads - the real disappointment is Copenhagen,' Conte explained. 'That match practically doomed us, forcing us to risk our lives against a top club that won the World Cup and boasts extraordinary champions even in the stands.'
Conte's disappointment was palpable as he reflected on what might have been. 'I'm disappointed because I would have liked to continue competing against the best,' he added, acknowledging Chelsea's quality while lamenting his own team's elimination.
Champions League Implications
The result has significant consequences for both clubs:
- Chelsea progress to the Champions League last-16 where they will face one of Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United, Monaco, or Qarabag
- Napoli have failed to secure a place in the Champions League play-off positions
- Joao Pedro's performance establishes him as a key figure in Chelsea's European campaign
Chelsea's victory demonstrates their resilience in European competition, while Napoli must regroup after a disappointing Champions League campaign that promised much but ultimately fell short of expectations.
