Antonio Conte’s much-anticipated debut as Napoli’s manager turned into a nightmare, as the team suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat away to Verona in their Serie A opener. The disastrous result has raised immediate concerns about the direction of the club, which finished 10th last season — a performance Conte suggests was not a fluke.
Antonio Conte's first game in charge at Napoli was an absolute DISASTER 😬
“Napoli finishing 10th last season isn’t a coincidence. Whoever thinks it was just bad luck is far from reality.” – Conte pic.twitter.com/wvUbr6Z7mK
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) August 18, 2024
“Napoli finishing 10th last season isn’t a coincidence. Whoever thinks it was just bad luck is far from reality” Conte said in a scathing post-match interview. The fiery Italian coach did not hold back in his criticism, pointing to a lack of resilience and determination in his squad. “We melted like snow in the sun” he added, highlighting his frustration with the team’s performance.
While Conte is grappling with the task of turning Napoli’s fortunes around on the pitch, the club is also trying hard to secure Conte’s wanted striker. Napoli and Romelu Lukaku are reportedly getting closer to a deal, with an official bid now on the table. Talks between Napoli and Chelsea have reached a critical stage, as the London club is determined to offload Lukaku. However, Chelsea has made it clear that the Belgian and Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen are separate matters.
Chelsea’s focus is on selling Lukaku, with the potential of making a move for Osimhen afterward. The Belgian striker’s future appears to be a key factor in the broader transfer dealings between the two clubs, as both look to finalize their respective squads before the summer window closes.
As Conte tries to stabilize Napoli following a disastrous start, the potential arrival of Lukaku could provide the attacking reinforcement the team desperately needs. However, with the season at an early stage and with less than 2 weeks remaining of the transfer window, much work remains for Napoli to recover from their early stumble and make the necessary adjustments to once again challenge for the Serie A title.