Antonio Conte is set to face his former club Juventus as the head coach of Napoli in a highly anticipated Serie A clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Saturday. Two days before the match, Conte addressed the media in a press conference, sharing his thoughts on the game, Napoli’s progress, and the club’s transfer strategy.
Conte on Personal Growth and Pursuing Excellence
Reflecting on his journey as a coach, Conte said: “Better the Conte of today or the one from 14 years ago at Juventus? What can I say—between being a player and coach, I spent 16 years with Juve. It was a great experience and a valuable lesson. I try to be better every day, not just compared to my time at Juventus but even compared to 24 hours ago. Improvement must be a daily goal—it should motivate us. For sure, I feel much more complete now.”
He continued: “It’s inevitable that over time you gain more knowledge. To stay competitive, you have to keep studying and evolving. I strive for excellence. This Napoli team is on a journey—we need to continue what we’ve started. We can’t think we’ve already reached the end. We must be patient and hope this journey lasts as long as possible. It takes time and patience, whether people like it or not.”
On Juventus and Napoli’s Progress
Conte praised Juventus for their unbeaten record in Serie A this season: “Juventus is unbeaten in the league. I don’t see many faults in their performances, even though some draws could have been wins. This has created a gap between them and others. But let’s not forget that last year Napoli was even further behind Juve. The gap from last season seems to have been forgotten by everyone.”
He also commented on Napoli’s passionate fanbase, referencing his post-match celebration after their 3-2 win over Atalanta: “The megaphone after Atalanta? It felt like the least I could do to thank our fans who came out in such an incredible way. These moments show you where you are, the passion here, and how football is lived. These are things I’ll always carry with me.”
On Returning to Europe and Transfer Market Plans
Conte acknowledged Napoli’s ambition to return to European competitions while addressing the need for squad reinforcements: “Do we want to return to Europe? Absolutely. Right now, as a squad, we definitely need changes. Every transfer window is an opportunity—if approached correctly—to strengthen both the present and future. We’ve signed players who can stay at Napoli for many years. We’re laying foundations for growth.”
When asked about timing in the transfer market, he explained: “Better now or in June? Every session is an opportunity. It’s right for the club to decide. I came to Napoli to help the president and the family during a difficult time. Things are clear—I’m happy with my group. If someone arrives, great; if not, we’ll make do knowing this squad will need significant strengthening in the future if we want to compete in Europe again.”
He concluded with realism about their current depth: “For Europe, we’re too few right now.”
On Facing Juventus
Conte emphasized the significance of Saturday’s match: “Is Napoli-Juventus special? No game here is ordinary. Every match must be treated as *the* match because there are always three points at stake. Each game helps us understand where we stand. Juventus is tough—no one has beaten them this year.”
He added: “Are there unbeatable teams? No such thing exists—you’ll lose eventually. They’re a solid team with strong players and deserve great respect. Every year they aim to win.”
