Antonio Conte has announced his departure as Napoli head coach following a 1-0 home victory over Udinese in the final match of the Serie A season. The 56-year-old's decision was confirmed at a press conference alongside club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, ending a campaign that brought the league title in his debut season but concluded with a second-place finish.
Conte revealed he initiated the exit talks a month ago, citing friction over January signings and internal squad dynamics. 'I saw too much poison, too much malice,' he said. 'There came a moment when it was right to speak out and take responsibility. I failed at one thing in Naples: I was unable to bring everyone together.' The former Italy boss is now a frontrunner to take over the national team.
In other Serie A news, Como qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history after a 4-1 win at Cremonese. Cesc Fàbregas's side finished fourth, two points behind Roma, who secured third place with a 2-0 win at Verona. Milan and Juventus missed out, the latter held to a 2-2 draw at Torino after kick-off was delayed due to fan violence.
In La Liga, Villarreal claimed third place with a 5-1 thrashing of Atlético Madrid, their highest finish in 13 years, in what was coach Marcelino García Toral's final match in charge.
