In a match that had everything—drama, resilience, and a heartbreaking late twist—Napoli fell 3-2 to Bologna, leaving manager Antonio Conte with mixed emotions. The Partenopei entered the game knowing a win would seal Champions League qualification with two matches to spare. Instead, they found themselves trailing 2-0 early, thanks to strikes from Federico Bernardeschi and Riccardo Orsolini.

Napoli showed their fighting spirit, clawing back level through Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Alisson Santos. But just as a hard-earned point seemed secure, Bologna’s Jonathan Rowe delivered an acrobatic stoppage-time volley that silenced the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose,” Conte told DAZN Italia. “When you press, you’ve got to do it properly. If you only do it half-way, you’re just running around for nothing. We could’ve been more determined in our pressing, but this isn’t the first time this season we’ve gone 2-0 down. That means it’s not a fluke. Evidently, we need a sharper initial approach.”

Conte acknowledged his side’s effort in the comeback, but lamented the lack of game management. “We managed to get back on track, pushed hard to win, but if you can’t win, you must at least try not to lose. I’m not upset with the performance—I saw the lads wanted to get the job done. Sometimes, there’s just a twist in the tale.”

The result leaves Napoli’s top-four hopes in the balance. They sit third, just two points ahead of Juventus, three clear of Milan and Roma, and with Como lurking five points back. With two games left, every point is precious.

“We’ve got to recharge the batteries, secure Champions League football in these two matches, and give our best,” Conte added.

For Napoli, the message is clear: the finish line is in sight, but they’ll need to start faster and finish stronger to cross it.