In a comfortable atmosphere, Napoli and Conte openly discussed the future and mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the current season. According to Italian media, by departing a year earlier than his contract's expiration in 6/2027, Conte will forgo a generous remuneration of 9,2 million USD per season before taxes. Including his departing coaching staff, the 56-year-old coach has agreed to waive a total of approximately 21,4 million USD.

Conte decided to leave Napoli a year earlier than his signed contract. Photo: Reuters

Following the 3-0 victory against hosts Pisa on 17/5, Conte implicitly confirmed his departure from Napoli. "I arrived at a difficult time, when Napoli had just endured a disastrous season, finishing 10th," he stated at the post-match press conference. "I promised that when I left Napoli, I would leave a solid foundation for the team to maintain its status as a formidable opponent, because Juventus, Milan, or Inter always have a step ahead of us. President Aurelio De Laurentiis understood my perspective a month ago, including both the positives and the aspects I was not entirely satisfied with."

The Italian coach also thanked De Laurentiis for trusting him with the opportunity. "Napoli is a team you must experience directly to fully understand its value," Conte emphasized. "Before coming here, I was told that winning with Napoli is 10 times more valuable than winning with other clubs."

Napoli has secured a spot in next season's champions league and is poised to finish as Serie A runner-up this season, behind champions Inter. Conte's team currently holds a three-point lead over third-placed AC Milan, with an equal head-to-head record (one win, one loss) and a superior goal difference.

In April, Conte hinted at a potential return to manage the Italy national team, a position he held from 2014-2016. "If I were the president of the Italian Football Federation, I would consider myself for that role," Conte stated when asked about the vacancy after Gennaro Gattuso's resignation.

At Napoli, Conte took just one year to lead the team from 10th place to win Serie A. Photo: Reuters

As a coach, Conte is renowned for his ability to rebuild struggling teams, achieving significant success at Juventus, the Italy national team, Chelsea, and Inter. When he took charge of Napoli in summer 2024, Conte transformed a team that had finished 10th in Serie A into champions for the 2024-2025 season. This season, despite numerous injuries and long-term absences of key players like Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, Conte still guided the team to win the Italian Super Cup and finish in the top three of the national league, far exceeding initial expectations.

According to Italian media, Conte's return as Italy national team coach will only be announced after the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) elects its new president following the 22/6 election. In addition to leading the national team, Conte might also coordinate youth teams, a role he previously held during his 2014-2016 tenure.

During his playing career, Conte was a central midfielder for Lecce and Juventus from 1985-2004. He made 20 appearances for the Italy national team between 1994 and 2000, with his highest achievement being a runner-up finish at Euro 2000.

Hoang Thong compiled