Antonio Conte has reportedly decided to remain as Napoli head coach after a crucial crisis meeting with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis earlier this week, despite months of growing tension and speculation over his future.
Why Conte Wanted to Leave Napoli
Despite guiding the club to the 2024-25 Serie A title in his debut season, Conte had grown frustrated with several structural and sporting issues behind the scenes. Among his chief concerns were:
-
Training ground conditions, which have reportedly been a problem since the Rafa Benitez era.
-
Uncertainty over investment in the squad and long-term ambitions.
-
Tensions with elements of the club’s internal management structure.
Conte had also felt pressure from his family and coaching staff, who reportedly encouraged him to reconsider any abrupt departure.
Why Conte Has Decided To Stay At Napoli
According to Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Tuesday’s meeting between Conte and De Laurentiis proved decisive. The president reassured the former Juventus and Inter boss on several key points, leading Conte to commit to staying — and potentially even sign a new contract.
One major factor that influenced his decision is the imminent arrival of Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City on a free transfer. That move signals a new phase of ambition for the club, especially with more reinforcements expected during the summer transfer window.
Conte has also long been vocal about the poor state of Napoli’s training pitches, a problem that has lingered since the mid-2010s. However, De Laurentiis has reportedly promised major upgrades to the facilities, addressing a long-standing issue that has frustrated several managers even before Conte.
Napoli’s Managerial Backup Plan Was Max Allegri
In the event Conte had walked away, Napoli had lined up former Juventus and Italy boss Max Allegri as a replacement. However, Allegri is now on the verge of signing a three-year deal with AC Milan, which would have made a late coaching switch even more complicated for the Partenopei.
With Conte staying on and De Bruyne set to arrive, expectations will rise once again for Napoli both domestically and in Europe. If you’re interested in the betting outlook for Napoli’s 2025-26 campaign — including futures on Serie A and the Champions League — check out our guide to the safest online betting sites offering updated odds and sign-up bonuses.
