Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis made a lighthearted comment about reports suggesting that coach Antonio Conte might leave for Juventus. He said, “All we can do is care for you.”
Conte led Napoli to win the Serie A title in his first season at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The team finished just one point ahead of Inter to claim the Scudetto.
Despite this success, tension between Conte and De Laurentiis has been noticeable for several months. Because of this, Conte’s future with the club remains uncertain.
During the title celebrations in Ischia last night, De Laurentiis referred to the rumors about Conte possibly moving to Napoli’s rivals. He said to Conte, “You are great, boss. You’re not going to Juve, are you?”
According to the newspaper Repubblica, Conte laughed but did not respond to the comment.
De Laurentiis added, “Let us enjoy the party. Antonio, all we can do is care for you, nothing more.”
The president has hinted in several interviews after the title win that the decision about Conte’s future is up to the coach himself. However, De Laurentiis also said he will not try too hard to keep him.
Speaking to TG1, De Laurentiis said, “At a wedding, no one asks if the husband or wife will cheat. They just hope both will be respectful and keep their promises. I believe someone needs to be happy in their environment. If not, and if the atmosphere suffers because of it, then they should find a new place.”
He continued, “This is what happened with Luciano Spalletti. There is mutual respect with Conte, and great professionalism. I thank him because this is what we have missed for two years.”
While Juventus is often mentioned as a possible destination for Conte, he is also reportedly wanted by Milan’s new sporting director, Igli Tare.
Meanwhile, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Napoli is preparing for a future without Conte. They are said to be offering a two-year contract to Max Allegri, worth €6 million per season plus bonuses based on performance.
