As confirmed by La Gazzetta dello Sport and other newspapers in Italy, Antonio Conte is set to leave Napoli at the end of this season.
Itโs hardly surprising that Conte is moving on after two years in Naples, though the manner and timing of his departure bodes well not just for him, but also for the club.
Conteโs departure looked likely as early as last season, which was punctuated by the cold greetings he exchanged with club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis during his teamโs title celebrations. The two continued, however, and while Napoli didnโt manage to retain the title, they did manage to put up a much better title defence compared to the last time, when they finished the 2023/24 season a spectacular tenth in the table after winning the Scudetto the year before.
Whatโs even more surprising is the fact that the Conte and De Laurentiis are parting ways mutually, with no severance package needed, which is remarkable given how things have usually been between them and their overall temperament. This leaves the door open for a potential second stint.
As he leaves the Maradona, Conte enters the market with his reputation once again reinforced. He may be a short-term option, and success under him does tend to depend on teams taking a gap year away from European football. But when it clicks, itโs unstoppable. The key for any club is to keep in mind that a marriage with Conte may mean a good time, but never a long time, and plan accordingly.ย
As for the Partenopei, they have relinquished their crown but end the season in a healthy position. They will play in the Champions League next season, and for the next season they have ample time to line up a replacement and start preparations.
Names are already lined up. Maurizio Sarri is linked with a return and is reportedly keen, while Max Allegri is the latest name linked with the job in a somewhat unexpected turn of events.ย Ultimately, whoever succeeds Conte will find a strong, well-rounded squad ready to compete at the top, needing just a few tweaks across a handful of positions.
As for Conte, he is currently being linked with the Italy national team job, though that decision cannot arrive before June 22, when the FIGC will elect a new president. Thatโs a long time in football, and it would hardly be surprising if a club took a punt on Conteโs short-term promise.
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Anshuman Joshi I GIFNย
