MONZA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, looks on prior to the Serie A match between Monza and Napoli at U-Power Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Antonio Conte expressed frustration towards President Aurelio De Laurentiis, indicating that his future at Napoli is uncertain. He stated, “I can guarantee many things, but I am not foolish enough to ignore the lack of necessary resources.”
Napoli struggled to score against last-place Monza at the U-Power Stadium, with their last away win occurring on January 18 against Atalanta. Scott McTominay managed to score the only goal of the match, connecting with a cross from substitute Giacomo Raspadori, marking a significant moment in the season.
Conte remarked on the team’s strategy, saying, “We devised a game plan intending to establish dominance at the start. While we succeeded, we failed to position enough players in the box, resulting in missed opportunities.” This victory maintains the pressure on Inter, with Napoli currently tied for the top spot in the league.
Raspadori’s entry proved pivotal, allowing Leonardo Spinazzola to return to his preferred left-back position amid several injuries affecting players like David Neres and Juan Jesus. Conte noted, “The substitutions changed the dynamic. These matches might appear straightforward, but the stakes are high, and many players are experiencing title contention for the first time.”
Conte Voices Frustration with Napoli’s Owner
Conte sparked controversy with his pre-match comments, highlighting his dissatisfaction with the transfer strategy and depth of the squad, stating, “There are limitations at Napoli that we cannot overlook.” In the post-match interview, his frustration towards De Laurentiis escalated further.
He expressed contentment living in Naples, praising the environment and fans, yet emphasized the need for success: “I am happy here, and the fans’ support is vital, but there are high expectations tied to my role. Anyone hiring me expects to contend for the title, and just qualifying for Europe isn’t sufficient.”
When questioned about David Neres’ recent injury, which occurred right before the press conference, Conte’s irritation grew, as he indicated that it’s a recurring issue possibly linked to the training facilities at Castel Volturno. “The pitches were meant to be improved, yet they remain unchanged. We’ve faced many injuries in these areas.”