The Decision Behind The Move
NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Antonio Conte confirmed Sunday he is leaving Napoli after two years in charge, having restored the club to Serie A champions in his first season.
The 56-year-old Conte met with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis following Napoli's final match of the campaign, a 1-0 victory over Udinese. He said he notified the president a month earlier that the project had run its course.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
"I didn't bring unity to the environment and so it's difficult to compete with others," Conte said. "I realized things cannot be changed. It was an honor, I thank the president and the fans who understood me."
The Job Ahead
Conte arrived in 2024 on a three-year contract after Napoli had finished a dispiriting 10th in its title defense season—one of the worst exits for a reigning champion in Serie A history. He delivered the Scudetto in his opening campaign.
His previous club honors include Serie A titles with Juventus and Inter Milan, along with Premier League roles at Chelsea and Tottenham. He also guided Italy to the quarterfinals of the 2016 European Championship, where the Azzurri fell to Germany on penalties.
Italy has missed the last three World Cups, prompting the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso last month.
The Pressure That Remains
When asked about the national team vacancy, Conte called speculation premature. "I don't know anything about my future. I might well take time out and rest."