In his first match as manager, Antonio Conte did indeed bring the ‘pissed off face’ that he had promised to Napoli supporters this season. Not, however, in the way he had likely intended. For manager, and supporters alike that reaction was mainly in frustration at his squad’s 0-3 result away to Verona on Sunday.
‘una faccia incazzata’
Conte had most likely intended that characterization to describe a state of competition and determination to return to success on the part of his squad. None of that could be said to have been evident in the team’s first game of the new season. The first half was mainly notable for calm and a few near chances for the favored visitors. The last one of those ought to have been an easy scoring opportunity in front of goal. But it was foiled at the last moment by Cameroon international Jackson Tchatchoua’s quick defending.
Then came the break. And then the collapse.
Napoli Funicular: Up and Down
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It had been over 30 years since its last title when the southern Italian club regained the scudetto in the 2022-23 season. World Cup and Argentine legend, Diego Maradona, led the club to its only two previous titles in 1987 and again in 1990. They renamed the stadium in his honor in 2020 and won it for the third time three years later. But that was five coaching changes-, and one very forgettable ‘title defense’ a year ago. All of which culminated in the naming of Conte as head man in June of this year.
Conte has won nearly everywhere he’s been, except perhaps Spurs of the Premier League. Keeping in mind that Tottenham seems to be the exception on a lot of resumes. Still, the fiery former winner of the Premier League (Chelsea) looked a bit lost on Sunday. Conte has previously won the Italian title twice including leading Inter in 2023-24. His current club finished a distant 10th, smack in the middle of the table.
Antonio Conte Looking For Answers
Solutions to Conte’s problems in his new job have been the stuff of rabid speculation since Sunday’s result. Right now the leading figure in all speculation seems to be Victor Ohmisen. The Nigerian striker has been a target for transfer out by Conte almost since his first day at Stadio Maradona.
Antonio Conte has let it be known that no one of the club’s championship winners from 2023 is likely safe. And has already sent quite a few of them packing. Ohmisen may be particularly key, however, due to interest on the part of Chelsea. The Premier League club still holds the transfer rights to Romelu Lukaku, though he has been out on loan since 2021. First to Inter and most lately with Roma.
Past Success, Yet Too Soon To Look Forward
Lukaku and Conte were together last at Inter of Milan from 2019-2021. The club won the Serie A title in their last season. Both left the club the following year. Lukaku returned on loan in 2022 after a short return to Stamford Bridge. He is 31 years of age now, however, his goal production has begun to defy his listed status as ‘striker’ for the past few seasons. In the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s loss, however, the coach refused to speculate on the impact any future transfers might have. He generally dismissed all references to possible incoming players as currently blocked up and not the cause of the side’s bad showing.
“We need to resolve the problem upstream of [any possible transfers]. I assume responsibility,” Conte allowed after the loss to Verona. It remains to be seen what assuming that responsibility might take. And whether that would be enough to keep Conte himself from becoming the sixth “previous manager” since Napoli’s return to its former glory.
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