Just days ago, it seemed probable that Antonio Conte would depart Napoli, with Massimiliano Allegri potentially taking the helm for the Azzurri. However, football situations can change rapidly. Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has now confirmed that Conte will continue in his role as manager, following the club`s recent achievement of securing the 2024-25 Serie A championship.
Conte`s current contract runs until the summer of 2027, and Juventus had expressed a desire to appoint him this summer. The Italian coach, after a period of reflection, has decided to remain in charge of the Serie A champions and will not leave the club, a decision made shortly after their title victory.
After a meeting with both Conte and sporting director Giovanni Manna on Thursday, De Laurentiis posted on X (formerly Twitter): “We keep going, stronger together.”
According to numerous reports, De Laurentiis discussed the club`s future strategies with Conte. These plans may potentially include the signing of former Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who is rumoured to be joining the Italian team as a free agent in the coming days.
Conte has chosen to decline the offer from Juventus, his former club where he served as captain during his playing career and later managed from 2011 to 2014. Juventus had aimed to re-appoint him after dismissing Thiago Motta in March 2025. Consequently, the Bianconeri must now seek a different managerial candidate. Simultaneously, Juventus has also decided to sack sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, according to reports from Sky Italy.
Conte`s decision has also had repercussions for other managers` futures. Massimiliano Allegri is now expected to join AC Milan, where he is anticipated to sign a two-year deal with an option for an additional season. Allegri was widely considered Napoli`s main alternative if Conte had left, but he is now poised for a return to the club he previously managed from 2010 to 2014.
