Antonio Conte has officially confirmed he is leaving SSC Napoli following an emotional farewell at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after Napoli’s 1-0 victory over Udinese Calcio.
The Italian coach addressed the media alongside club president Aurelio De Laurentiis in a lengthy, and at times tense, joint press conference that revealed both the mutual respect and the clear differences that ultimately led to their separation.
Conte explained that he had already informed De Laurentiis of his decision nearly one month ago.
“One month ago, I called the president, and I did not ask for anything,” Conte revealed.
“I did not ask about the project or possible downsizing. I simply understood that my journey here was coming to an end. When there are things I cannot change, I make a decision.”
The Napoli coach added that De Laurentiis attempted to keep the door open for him until the very last moment.
“The president told me that if I changed my mind, he would be available until the final day,” Conte stated.
De Laurentiis responded by confirming the conversation, insisting he always respected Conte’s position and emotional state regarding the club and the pressures surrounding the role.
“The Napoli project cannot be compared to clubs such as Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, the top English clubs, or FC Bayern Munich,” De Laurentiis explained.
“We must respect certain budgets and cannot go beyond them.”
The press conference also featured several visible disagreements between the two figures.
At one stage, De Laurentiis claimed Napoli could have won another Serie A title without the injuries suffered throughout the campaign.
Conte immediately disagreed.
“No, I do not agree,” the Italian coach responded.
“We were competing against an Inter Milan side that had strengthened significantly. It was extremely difficult.”
Further differences emerged when De Laurentiis referenced the so-called “Arsenal model” as an example Napoli could follow. Conte once again pushed back strongly.
“Arsenal were already a top club, and they spent a lot,” he replied while shaking his head. “They were not Bournemouth.”
Despite the disagreements, Conte also spoke emotionally about his time in Naples and reflected proudly on the work achieved during his two seasons at the club.
“The most beautiful moment was celebrating the Scudetto in front of our supporters,” Conte said.
“In both seasons, we finished ahead of Milan and Juventus, and I think people should be proud of that.”
However, the departing coach also admitted disappointment with the atmosphere surrounding the club during parts of his reign.
“At Napoli, I failed in not being able to unite the environment,” Conte stated.
“I saw too much poison and negativity against my players and me. Those who spread poison are failures. They do it for likes or attention. Napoli needs serious people.”
Conte nonetheless insisted that coaching Napoli had been both an honour and a privilege.
“I thank President De Laurentiis for giving me this opportunity. These have been two positive years.”
The press conference also revisited a difficult moment earlier in the season following Napoli’s defeat away to Bologna FC 1909 in November, when Conte reportedly considered stepping aside.
“I said I never wanted to have anonymous seasons,” Conte explained.
“I have never had them and I never will. I will never accompany a dead body, and I was prepared to step aside.”
He also suggested that certain summer signings had struggled to integrate into the dressing room and admitted internal issues needed to be addressed quickly.
Attention also briefly shifted towards Italy’s national team and speculation regarding future coaching possibilities.
Conte stated that if he were president of the Italian federation, he would certainly consider himself for the role, while also questioning whether Italian football currently possesses the structure and financial power necessary to attract a coach such as Pep Guardiola.
“Is the federation ready for a top coach like Guardiola?” Conte asked.
“There are responsibilities, status and financial demands that must be respected.”
Conte now leaves Napoli after a highly successful but emotionally intense spell that delivered major trophies, restored competitiveness and reestablished the club among Italy’s elite, even if the relationship between coach, club and surrounding environment ultimately proved impossible to sustain long term.
