Conte Announces Departure from Napoli After Season Finale
Antonio Conte declared his exit as Napoli head coach on Sunday following a 1-0 home victory against Udinese in the final match of the Serie A season. The 56-year-old made the announcement during a press conference alongside club president Aurelio De Laurentiis after the game.
Conte, who joined Napoli in July 2024, led the team to league titles in both his debut campaign and the current season. The decisive moment in his final match came from a 23rd-minute goal by striker Rasmus Højlund, securing Napoli a second-place finish behind Inter in the league standings.
"I rang the chairman a month ago … and told him: ‘Given the friendship we share, I feel that my time here is coming to an end.’ The decision was mine," Conte told reporters. "I’ve never been one for mediocre seasons, and I never will be."
Conte reflected on the factors influencing his decision, citing a turning point after a recent loss to Bologna. He highlighted tensions related to January transfer signings and internal squad dynamics as contributing issues.
"I saw situations there that I did not like," Conte explained. "Certainly some new signings arrived in January while the old group and I were in very difficult dynamics. There came a moment when it was right to speak out and take responsibility.
"I failed at one thing in Naples: I was unable to bring everyone together," he added. "I saw too much poison, too much malice. The moment you can no longer do things with ease is a step backwards for me."
Local media have reported Conte as a leading candidate for the Italy national team managerial position. He expressed gratitude for his time at Napoli.
"There is satisfaction, honour and prestige in what I achieved coaching Naples. I thank De Laurentiis for giving me this opportunity."
Como Qualifies for Champions League for the First Time
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Como’s 4-1 victory at Cremonese, who were relegated to Serie B, combined with Milan’s unexpected 2-1 home loss to Cagliari, enabled Cesc Fàbregas’s side to complete their remarkable ascent from the lower leagues to Europe’s elite competition. Como finished fourth, two points behind Roma, who secured third place with a 2-0 win at already-relegated Verona, ending their prolonged absence from the Champions League.
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