Antonio Conte has led Napoli back to the summit of Italian football, securing their fourth Serie A title and second in three years in a season that far exceeded expectations. Yet, his future at the club remains uncertain.
The 55-year-old coach, known for his fiery demeanor and winning mentality, restored belief in a squad left in disarray after a historically poor title defense. However, his turbulent relationship with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has cast a shadow over what should be a celebratory moment.
Tensions between the two strong personalities have simmered throughout the campaign. In recent weeks, Conte publicly voiced frustrations with aspects of how the club is run, hinting that changes would be necessary if he is to remain.
“You have to live in the present… the people want to win and are ambitious. I’m open to everything, but we need to see where we are,” Conte said last month when pressed on his future.
Conte took the reins last summer amid a squad in flux, with stars Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia seemingly on their way out. His quick rebuild featured key additions in Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay, signed late in the transfer window from Chelsea and Manchester United, respectively — a delay that had already caused early frustration.
A failed attempt to sell Osimhen for a high fee lingered over the club until he was eventually loaned to Galatasaray, while Kvaratskhelia’s mid-season transfer to Paris Saint-Germain further tested Conte’s commitment.
“I’m happy in Naples and I’m working for fans who give me something emotionally. That’s very important. But those who hire me know I come with expectations,” Conte explained. “People think I must finish first or second, even if the team was 10th the year before. I can deal with that but I’m not stupid. If the resources aren’t there, it’s not realistic.”
This is not the first time Conte has clashed with club leadership over a lack of investment. He left Juventus in 2014 citing similar frustrations, famously remarking that managing them was like being asked to dine at a €100 restaurant with just €10. Ironically, his successor, Massimiliano Allegri, would later guide Juve to two Champions League finals in three seasons.
Despite De Laurentiis’ often controversial leadership, he has played a pivotal role in Napoli’s rise since taking over in 2004, reviving the club from bankruptcy to title contention.
If Conte stays, he faces a more demanding season ahead, with Champions League football returning and no room for the strategic advantages Napoli enjoyed this year — notably, playing 17 fewer matches than rivals Inter Milan.
Advertisement
