After dismal title defence last season, Napoli back atop Serie A at end of '24

Associated Press Rome: Napoli went through three dif ferent coaches during its Serie A title defense last season and ended the campaign in 10th place. Antonio Conte was hired in July and now Napoli is ending 2024 level with Atalanta atop the Italian league again. Substitute Giacomo Raspadori scored a late goal and Napoli beat relegationthreatened Venezia 1-0 on Sunday in its final match of the year. Napoli trails Atalanta only on goal difference but both teams are one point ahead of defending champion Inter Milan, which has a game in hand.

“Even if I play cards with my daughter I want to win,” said Conte, who was hired to get Napoli back into the Champions League. “Personally, I don't accept minimal goals. But we all know where we started and what the club's objectives are.” Atalanta drew 1-1 at Lazio on Saturday and Inter won 3-0 at Cagliari. Also Sunday, Juventus and Fiorentina drew 2-2 in a match that was briefly suspended because of discriminatory chants aimed at Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.