You need to have 2 different teams — Conte aims dig at big-spending Chelsea after defeat

Despite leading 2–1 at half-time, Napoli were undone by a second-half brace from Joao Pedro, leaving Antonio Conte to reflect on the financial gulf between his injury-ravaged side and Chelsea, who came back to win 3-2.

Antonio Conte pointed to the luxury of the Chelsea bench as a primary reason for the result, noting that he was forced to navigate the crucial tie with just 13 fit outfield players.

While Napoli fought to a 2–1 lead through Antonio Vergara and Rasmus Hojlund, the former Chelsea boss argued that his former club possesses enough talent to field multiple competitive lineups, a luxury he currently lacks in Serie A.

"If you want to be successful in this competition, you need a lot of money and not just one team of players, but maybe two or even two-and-a-half like Chelsea," Conte told reporters.

"Don't forget they have extraordinary players on the field, the bench, and even left in the stands."

The match ultimately turned on the clinical finishing of Joao Pedro, whose two goals in the 61st and 83rd minutes secured Chelsea’s spot in the top eight and automatic qualification for the Round of 16.

Conte insisted that his side played "at an amazing level" and deserved better, but admitted that the difference was Chelsea's ability to punish "every tiny error" with their world-class assets.

The defeat leaves Napoli in 30th place in the 36-team league phase, ending their European journey in disappointing fashion.

Chelsea will now sit back and wait for Friday's draw, to see what their path to the UEFA Champions League final looks like.