Napoli manager Antonio Conte has issued a stern rebuke to Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti following a perceived slight after Sunday's Serie A match. Spalletti, after his team's 3-0 victory, referred to Napoli as the "former Italian champions" in post-match comments, a phrase that has drawn Conte's ire.
Napoli manager Antonio Conte has issued a stern rebuke to Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti following a perceived slight after Sunday's Serie A match. Spalletti, after his team's 3-0 victory, referred to Napoli as the "former Italian champions" in post-match comments, a phrase that has drawn Conte's ire.
Conte, speaking ahead of Napoli's crucial Champions League match against Chelsea, labeled the remark an "unfortunate phrase" and insisted it showed a lack of respect. "We still wear the Scudetto on our chest and that deserves respect," Conte stated. He expressed disappointment, noting Spalletti is a great coach but should be more careful with his words, especially with 16 league games remaining.
The war of words adds another layer to a difficult period for Napoli, who sit nine points behind league leaders Inter and face a critical European fixture. Conte acknowledged his team missed a significant opportunity in their previous Champions League match, drawing 1-1 with ten-man Copenhagen.
He now prepares to face his former club Chelsea, describing them as "the club world champions" with considerable ambition and investment. Conte emphasized the need for a decisive result and plans to rely on the strong support of the Stadio Maradona crowd to help propel the team to a vital victory in their quest for knockout-stage qualification.
