Coach demands respect as title defence unravels
Antonio Conte responds to Luciano Spalletti remarks following Napoli’s 3-0 loss
Antonio Conte criticised Luciano Spalletti after Napoli’s 3-0 loss to Juventus insisting the club still deserve respect as defending champions.
Napoli coach Antonio Conte launched strong criticism at Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti after Napoli suffered damaging 3-0 defeat against the Old Lady.
The result was seen as major blow to Napoli’s hopes of keeping the Serie A title and Conte was especially upset by Spalletti’s remarks after the match.
Spalletti referred to Napoli as the “former champions” a phrase Conte considered disrespectful.
Conte made it clear that Napoli are still wearing the Scudetto badge and should be treated as the current champions until the season ends.
Napoli’s title defence under pressure
The defeat left Napoli in fourth place, nine point behind leaders Inter Milan.
The club’s form has also raised concerns, with only one win in their last five league match.
Many observers now doubt whether Napoli led by players such as Scott McTominay can successfully defend the title especially with key matches coming up in both domestic and European competitions.
Speaking ahead of Napoli’s important Champions League match against Chelsea, Conte answered Spalletti’s comments directly.
“I feel sorry because Luciano Spalletti is great coach” Conte said. “But he needs to be more careful when he speaks. Calling us former champions is not the right phrase”
He added:
“We still have the Scudetto on our shirts. That deserves respect. I would never say something like that about another team”
Conte also rejected the idea of stripping Napoli of their status while the season is still ongoing insisting the club earned the title through hard work.
Not the first outburst this season
This is not first time Conte has shown anger during the campaign.
Earlier this month, he sent off during Napoli’s 2-2 draw with Inter Milan after late penalty was awarded against his team following VAR review.
The incident happened in the 73 minute when Amir Rrahmani was judged to have stepped on Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Conte reacted furiously and was shown red card after kicking the ball from the touchline and arguing with officials.
Reports in Italy claimed the Napoli coach continued shouting as he was escorted away adding more tension to already difficult season.
Napoli facing a critical period
Napoli entering crucial part of the season, with their league defence slipping and European elimination now real threat.
