Napoli are the surprise early pacesetters in Serie A this season, but if they are to remain on top and achieve what had seemed an unlikely Scudetto triumph then work is required more than prayers, manager Antonio Conte said on Friday. Last season Napoli finished 10th in a dismal title defence, which cost two managers their jobs. Conte's reign began with a 3-0 loss at Hellas Verona on this campaign's opening day, with the new coach calling his side a work in progress.
Editor's Picks Is Amorim the best hire for Manchester United since Ferguson retired? 6h Ryan O'Hanlon Premier League injury and suspension news, predicted lineups, fantasy updates 7h ESPN Napoli target is Europe amid title talk - Conte 2d Reuters Since then, Napoli are undefeated in nine games, winning eight and conceding just two goals to open up a four-point gap at the top over defending champions Inter Milan . When asked in a news conference if winning the title this season would be a miracle, Conte said: "I am a man of faith, even practically, and I know only one person who performs them. "I always pray, even for the team, that they are well, in addition to my family there is also a prayer for the players.
"We must work, all of us, from the cook and the kit man to create something beautiful that can give extra points in a championship. "We cannot make any mistakes in this, we are not in a position to make mistakes. Then, football miracles have always happened, but you have to work to hope it happens, it's not.
