Antonio Conte set for crunch talk with Napoli chiefs over his future

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte is preparing for crucial discussions with the club’s hierarchy about his future, following his unrestrained public criticism of the struggling reigning Serie A champions.

The decisive meeting comes after Conte openly questioned his team’s “chemistry” and “desire to fight” following their latest defeat, hinting at a potential departure.

The Italian manager is set for an urgent face-to-face meeting with the club’s management in the coming hours to address his future and the team’s disappointing start to the 2025/26 season after winning the Scudetto last season.

This comes after the 56-year-old’s “holistic” comment after Napoli’s 2-0 Serie A defeat to Bologna on Sunday.

According to football journalist Matteo Moretto, a meeting between Napoli’s management and Conte is scheduled for Monday afternoon, as both parties aim to clarify whether and how to continue together.

The meeting is reportedly aimed at directly addressing Conte’s public doubts about his players’ commitment and his own coaching capabilities.

Antonio Conte’s side lost 2-0 away to Bologna over the weekend in their Serie A encounter

Conte went all guns blazing in his post-match comments after Napoli suffered their fifth defeat of the season against Bologna. A result that further describes Napoli’s stuttering output to replicate last season’s Scudetto-winning form.

Speaking after the game, Conte expressed his overwhelming disappointment. “We needed more energy in everything. What’s disappointing is that they showed more positivity and desire than us,” Conte stated, contrasting his team’s performance with Bologna’s.

“It should make us reflect. It’s the fifth defeat we’ve suffered this start of the year. It means we need to reflect, which we’ve already done.

“They played on Thursday and looked poisoned. We did our homework until the game was even.”

The former Chelsea, Tottenham, and Inter Milan manager went further to question the very tenets of his squad. Highlighting a prevalent lack of unity and resolve, which he believes has literally injured the team for months.

“Three or four months have passed, and there’s no chemistry, no desire to fight together. I don’t know if we’ll be able to change the situation,” Conte admitted.

Conte’s resentment escalated as he placed significant responsibility on everyone involved. “Everyone has to take responsibility. I’m the first to be held accountable. Heart transplants aren’t an option. Each of us needs to rediscover our spirit and our grit,” he declared.

“I’m disappointed because I’m not finding the energy in the guys again; it means I’m not doing a good job.”

The defeat leaves Napoli in fourth place in Serie A with 22 points from 11 matches, a significant drop for the reigning champions.