Antonio Conte returns to Italy as Napoli boss

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has been appointed as the new head coach of Napoli, marking his return to Serie A with a three-year deal.

This appointment brings Conte back to Italy since his departure in 2016.

🔵✍🏻 Official: Antonio Conte, new Napoli manager on three year contract. pic.twitter.com/wY3gT2mFYF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2024

The 54-year-old tactician has not managed a team since leaving Tottenham Hotspur by mutual consent in March 2023, after a 16-month tenure in North London.

Despite a challenging period at Spurs, Conte boasts a decorated coaching career, having won the Premier League in his first season at Chelsea (2016-17) and the FA Cup in his second, before being sacked in 2018.

“Napoli is a place of global importance. I am happy and excited at the idea of ​​sitting on the blue bench,” Conte said. He previously guided Inter Milan to their first Serie A title in 11 years back in 2021. “I can certainly promise one thing, I will do my utmost for the growth of the team and the club. My commitment, together with that of my staff, will be total.”

Conte’s impressive resume includes leading Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles between 2011-2014 and managing the Italian national team, the Azzurri, for two years before moving to Chelsea.

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Napoli, who celebrated their first Serie A title in 33 years last season, have struggled to maintain that form, finishing tenth in the league this year. Their poor performance led to the appointment of Slovakia boss Francesco Calzona on a short-term deal in February, following the sacking of Walter Mazzarri after just three months in charge.

Conte, known for his pragmatic approaches and preference for experienced talents, is expected to play a crucial role in reviving the team after a disappointing campaign where Napoli failed to defend their title.