"Napoli's" match against "Qarabag" in the Champions League group stage could be decisive for Antonio Conte's future career in Italy.
According to Idman.Biz, citing "La Repubblica", the upcoming three games - matches against "Atalanta" and "Roma" in Serie A, as well as the Champions League match against "Qarabag" - are considered decisive for Conte's fate at "Napoli". Based on the results of this stage, the club's management will assess whether the coach is able to change the situation for the better.
The team's heavy 0:2 defeat to Bologna is cited as the reason for the crisis. After this game, Conte harshly criticized the players at a press conference for their lack of character and responsibility. In Naples, this statement was perceived as a signal of serious problems within the team. Especially considering that it was Conte who led "Napoli" to the Serie A championship last season.
Against this background, Conte took an unusual additional break: he was not with the team for about a week. The players continued training in Castel Volturno under the guidance of his assistant Cristian Stellini and team manager Leonardo Oriali. Although the Italian media reported that this break was agreed with the club, the incident sparked new discussions about possible discontent and a possible separation.
At the same time, the media discussed possible scenarios and potential replacements in the event of Conte's departure. However, the club's official position was different: according to the Italian press, President Aurelio De Laurentiis emphasized his full support for the coach and did not consider immediately terminating the contract, despite pressure from fans and poor results.
Currently, Conte has already returned to the team and held his first training session after the break. He is preparing for the game against Atalanta, followed by an away game against Qarabag. Italian journalists are confident that this block of games will clarify whether he will be able to restore the team's stability and confidence. The match against "Qarabag" is seen as one of the main tests not only from a tournament point of view, but also for Conte to keep his job.
The match between "Qarabag" and "Napoli" will be held on November 25 at the Diego Maradona Stadium in Naples. The match will start at 23:59 Baku time. After four rounds of the Champions League main stage, the Aghdam representative is in 15th place with seven points, while "Napoli" is in 24th place with four points.
Teymur Tuşiyev