ROME, Nov 1, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Antonio Conte is a hard taskmaster but the
exploits of his Napoli side so far this season have him eulogising about how
the "players are ready to die, in football terms, for this jersey."

Napoli under Conte are a team transformed from the one that mounted the worst
defence of a Serie A title last season, finishing 41 points off champions
Inter Milan.

They head into Sunday's tough home match with third-placed Atalanta with a
four-point lead over Inter at the top and bidding for a sixth successive
victory.

Aside from Conte's arrival the signings of Scottish duo Scott McTominay and
Billy Gilmour from Manchester United and Brighton respectively as well as
veteran striker Romelu Lukaku, from Chelsea, have sparked this revival.

Lukaku's goal in the impressive 2-0 victory away at AC Milan on Tuesday was
the Belgian star's fourth of the campaign in just eight appearances.

The much-travelled 31-year-old -- who has filled the vacuum left by Nigerian
striker Victor Osimhen -- is an old favourite of 55-year-old Conte's having
teamed up with him when Inter won the 2021 title.

However, it is McTominay who has been the mainstay, producing eye-catching
performances and earning the nickname "McTotally" from the fans as he pops up
all over the pitch.

The 27-year-old -- who cost Napoli a reported 26 million pounds
($33.7million) -- has been overwhelmed by the welcome he has received in
southern Italy which goes some way to explaining why he has slotted in so
quickly.

"I can't talk enough about the fans, the people, the city and the welcome
that my team-mates and coaches gave me," he said.

McTominay epitomises Conte's comments about the dedication the squad are
showing.

"This is one of the best groups that I've had in my career," said Conte after
the victory over Milan.

"These players are ready to die, in football terms, for this jersey, which
makes me so happy.

"There's a wonderful rapport among the staff, the club and everyone here.

"There's a cleanliness in the air underpinned by excitement and passion."

Club captain Giovanni di Lorenzo was linked with a move away in the summer as
he had become disillusioned, but he cuts a different figure now under Conte.

"We feel very positive," said Di Lorenzo.

"Now we have to look straight ahead of us as we face Atalanta on Sunday and
we'll try to give it our all.

"You have to adopt the right mentality in every game. Our hard work in the
week is paying off and we'll continue down this road."

Atalanta, though, will provide a good litmus test of whether Napoli can kick
on and earn Conte a fourth Serie A crown as a coach.

Their 2-0 win over Monza moved them above Juventus into third in the table
and earned praise from coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

"We have a solid defence and midfield which always give us strength and
competitiveness," said Gasperini.

He was especially pleased about his squad's strength in depth, evidenced by
the substitutes adding extra vim in the win over Monza.

"This means the team isn't made of 11 players but 16," he said.

"We've climbed the table and played some games at home. Now we face some big
teams. Napoli are doing extraordinary things."

Player to watch

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)

The 23-year-old Georgian midfielder marked his 100th appearance for the club
with a goal, his 30th for Napoli, in the victory over Milan.

He had been linked to a move away in the summer but instead Conte's arrival
has revived him and he is discussing a new contract.

Despite being one of the stars of the Serie A title-winning team he is still
on the same annual terms -- 1.3 million euros ($1.4million) -- as when he
joined from Dinamo Batumi in 2022.

There is still some ground to be made up between the two parties as Napoli
are reported to be offering five million euros plus add-ons, but the player
is asking for eight million.

Fixtures (all times GMT)

Saturday

Bologna v Lecce (1400), Udinese v Juventus (1700), Monza v AC MIlan (1945)

Sunday

Napoli v Atalanta (1130), Torino v Fiorentina (1400), Verona v Roma (1700),
Inter Milan v Venezia (1945)

Monday (1730 unless stated):

Parma v Genoa, Empoli v Como, Lazio v Cagliari (1945)