The Part That Changes The Math
NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Antonio Conte confirmed Sunday he is leaving Napoli after two years in charge, having led 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 after Napoli's final match of the season, a 1-0 win over Udinese on Sunday.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
"A month ago I called the president… I told him that I sensed that our project was coming to an end," Conte said. "I made this decision because at Napoli I failed in one thing: I didn't bring unity to the environment and so it's difficult to compete with others. I didn't unite everyone and I put my hands up."
The Detail Worth Keeping
He thanked De Laurentiis and the fans who understood his decision. Napoli finished second in Serie A this season.
Conte signed a three-year contract when he was hired in 2024, taking over a team that had finished 10th the previous season — one of the worst defending champions in league history. He delivered the title in his first campaign.
Previously, Conte won Serie A titles with Juventus and Inter Milan, and also managed Chelsea and Tottenham in the Premier League. He steered Italy to the quarterfinals of the 2016 European Championship, where the Azzurri lost to Germany in a penalty shootout.
Where It Goes From Here
The Italian national team is currently in crisis after failing 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.
When asked about the Italy job, Conte said it's "all just talk" and that he might take time to rest.