Napoli patron De Laurentiis: ‘I wish Conte continuing success in professional life’

NAPLES, ITALY – JUNE 26: Antonio Conte new SSC Napoli head coach and Aurelio De Laurentiis SSC Napoli president during SSC Napoli new manager unveiling on June 26, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has effectively confirmed Antonio Conte will leave. ‘I wish Conte continuing success in his professional life. Thank you, Antonio.’

There had already been multiple reports that the decision had been made, despite the fact they secured the Serie A title in their first and apparently only season together.

There was an open top bus parade this afternoon, followed by a celebration on the Bay of Naples.

De Laurentiis sets scene for Conte exit

President De Laurentiis spoke to everyone at the event and video was leaked that leaves very little room for doubt.

“I must give a sentimental embrace to this man, because he took on a team that was on the brink of disaster and together we reinforced it.

“Then at a certain stage, he had to do without a star like Kvaratskhelia, he managed through incidents and injuries to make do with what he had, using not one, but four or five different tactical systems.

“He showed the whole world that systems are useless, all you need is a great knowledge of what football really means.

“So for him who took us all the way to win the second Scudetto in three years, I ask for an applause, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Napoli will not have Conte for long

De Laurentiis then turned towards Conte and after stating he had to go to Rome tomorrow, where the squad will meet the new Pope, he effectively confirmed the exit.

“I wish Conte continuing success in his professional life. He is a man who deserves respect and success, because he puts the effort in on a daily basis. Thank you, Antonio!”

There are many reports Napoli have already lined up former Juventus coach Max Allegri to replace Conte next season.

Curiously, he had already taken over from Conte at Juventus straight after a Scudetto victory too.

It is also the second time that Napoli will part with a coach just days after winning the Serie A title, as Luciano Spalletti did the same in 2023.