The Roster Takes Shape
NAPLES, Italy — Antonio Conte confirmed on Sunday that he is leaving Napoli after two years in charge, having guided the southern club back to the Serie A title in his first season.
The 56-year-old Conte held a press conference alongside club president Aurelio De Laurentiis following Napoli's final match of the season, a 1-0 win over Udinese. He informed the president a month ago that he felt 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 put my hands up. I realize that things cannot be changed." He thanked the president and the fans who understood his decision.
The Margins Are Thin
Napoli, which struggled with injury problems throughout the campaign, finished second in Serie A. When Conte was hired in 2024, he signed a three-year contract after the club had endured a dismal season, finishing 10th — one of the worst title defenses in league history.
Conte previously won Serie A titles with Juventus and Inter Milan, and also coached Chelsea and Tottenham in the Premier League. He led Italy to the quarterfinals of the 2016 European Championship, where the Azzurri lost to Germany on penalties.
The Italian national team has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third straight time, prompting the resignations of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Gennaro Gattuso last month.
The Next Test Arrives
When asked about the Italy job, Conte dismissed the speculation. "It's all just talk," he said. "I don't know anything about my future. I might well take time out and rest."