Naples erupted into a wave of euphoria on Friday night as Napoli secured their fourth Serie A title, with head coach Antonio Conte celebrating what he described as “the most unexpected and difficult Scudetto” of his career. It is the fifth league title for the Italian tactician, but the first since taking over a Napoli side that had finished tenth just a year earlier.
“This is truly fantastic,” Conte told DAZN in the immediate aftermath of the triumph. Getting to the stadium today was difficult because of the crowds. I’ll admit there was a small fear of disappointing everyone. But the players responded incredibly well to the pressure. They were extraordinary.”
After the final whistle, the city of Naples erupted with joy as celebrations broke out across every street. Carcades of jubilant fans flooded the roads, waving flags and singing club anthems while fireworks lit up the night sky. From the waterfront to the Spanish Quarter, the entire city united in a euphoric tribute to Napoli’s fourth Scudetto, turning the historic triumph into an unforgettable carnival of pride and passion.
Conte, who took charge after last season’s disappointing mid-table finish, acknowledged the steep challenge he faced in reviving a once-proud side. “This was the most demanding title of my career. Convincing the players, even the most talented ones, to believe in this new project wasn’t easy. We started with a draw against Modena and a heavy defeat to Verona, looking back, what we’ve accomplished is something extraordinary.”
The turning point, according to the manager, came in the draw against Inter Milan. “Billing’s equaliser that night made us believe. From that moment, despite injuries and a complicated January transfer window, we began to do something remarkable.”
Among the most emotional moments of the evening was seeing Giovanni Di Lorenzo, captain of Napoli, lift the trophy for the second time in three years, something achieved previously only by Diego Maradona. “Di Lorenzo has immense values as a captain,” said Conte. “For him to raise the Scudetto again in such a complex season is fully deserved.”
Future uncertain for Conte
Despite the success, Conte’s future in Naples remains uncertain. “We’re enjoying the moment,” he said. “I have a great relationship with President De Laurentiis and his family. We are both winners, though we approach it differently.”
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who turned 76 on the night of the triumph, couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift. “Meeting Conte in the Maldives years ago, I immediately admired his mentality,” he revealed. “Last November, I tried to bring him in, but he said, ‘Let me come in June, and we’ll do something great.’ And he did. Chapeau.”
Asked if Conte would stay, De Laurentiis was cautiously optimistic: “If he wants to stay and make himself available as he did this year, welcome. But I won’t force anyone, I’ll simply ask him to stay.”
Transfer Market buzz and De Laurentiis’ vision
While refusing to comment on persistent rumours linking Napoli with Kevin De Bruyne, De Laurentiis hinted that major reinforcements are on the way. “We’ll build an even stronger squad without forgetting those who brought us here. We’ll add players of great quality.”
The president also took time to reflect on Napoli’s long journey back to the summit: “We saved Napoli from bankruptcy and brought it to these heights. Seeing children now proudly wearing the club’s colours fills me with pride. Naples is a city that always gives you the best of life, even in tough times, Neapolitans find a way to triumph.”
As the celebrations continue, one thing is clear Napoli are back at the top of Italian football, and whether or not Conte remains, the foundations for a new era of success have been firmly laid.
