Antonio Conte is excited to return to his old club Juventus with his current Napoli side when the two teams meet in Serie A on Saturday, but he feels that neither team can be happy with their final positions or points tallies in 2023-24.
Conte, who spent 13 seasons in Turin as a player, plus three as a coach, will return in front of a full Allianz Stadium crowd for the first time since he left Juventus back in 2014. The last few times he went back while in charge of Inter were played largely behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
During his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Conte reiterated the need for Napoli to improve on last season’s disastrous points total, but he feels that Juventus will also be seeking revenge, even though they finished almost 20 points above the Partenopei.
Conte began his press conference with a moment of reflection following the death of Italy legend Salvatore ‘Totò’ Schillaci on Wednesday.
“First of all I’d like to offer a small thought after the passing of Totò Schillaci, at only 59 years old. He was a footballer and a person who became an emblem, especially for us guys from the south. A person who made it to the top, and was a great example for all of us. I’m truly saddened. A thought for the family, who have lost an exceptional person.”
Conte: Neither Napoli nor Juventus can be satisfied
Napoli have won three Serie A matches on the spin after their opening day loss to Hellas Verona.
Conte believes that the transfer window is partly to blame for the slow start, but feels that it is still too early in the season for Saturday’s result to be a true reflection of the teams’ respective levels.
“As I said before Cagliari, with the transfer window ending so late, there is a settling-in period for everybody,” he said. “Some new players arrived a few days ago, and you also have to play three games with guys who end up leaving.
“We are all working hard to find the right balance. We want to find that balance, but the need is also to put on good performances and get results because that is worth more come the end of the year.”
Conte went on to explain why he thinks neither team will be satisfied with last season’s results.
“Every match is a test. It was in Cagliari in certain ways as well, a tough environment, a difficult pitch. Sometimes you face tests on a tactical level. We have to face it with the utmost seriousness, regardless of who is in front of us.
“We hope the challenge leads to something, but it is too early to say today. We’re starting at different levels. From last year, there was a difference of 18 points, but surely both will want to go and get revenge.
“I don’t think a team like Juve can be satisfied with a third place finish and being such a long way off Inter, and we can’t be satisfied finishing 20 points behind them, Milan and 40 off Inter.”
Conte looks forward to Juventus return
Conte made no attempts to hide his obvious connection with Juventu: “My past is clear. 13 years at Juve as a player, I was captain for several years, winning practically everything. I had the opportunity to coach for three years, starting a series of nine Scudetti. I am part of Juve’s history because of what I have done and given them.
“It’s easier to stay at one club your entire career as a player, I’m talking about Bruscolotti with Napoli, Maldini, Baresi, Antonioni, Totti etc., but as a coach it’s impossible to decide your own career. I coached Juve for three years, my career took me to different places.
“Today I have the true pleasure of coaching a team like Napoli, for me, being a guy from the south, it is a proud and satisfying feeling. There will be lots of emotions returning to that stadium, because last time I returned during Covid.”
Conte provides Napoli fitness update
Napoli have a healthy squad available for the Juventus trip, but Conte hinted that summer signings Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour may still need a little while longer to integrate.
“The more time goes by, the more they fit into our ideas,” he said.
“With David (Neres), we worked during the break. 10 days with Billy (Gilmour) and Scott (McTominay), it was positive. They are understanding the ideas behind the football we want to play. They also have to adapt to our type of work from a physical, metabolic and strength point of view. I’m happy because they are both receptive and can offer us a lot.”
