Tensions flared ahead of Napoli’s crucial Champions League clash with Chelsea as Antonio Conte launched a strong response to comments made by Luciano Spalletti. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Napoli manager did not hold back when asked about a remark from Spalletti, who had referred to his recent win as being against the “former champions of Italy”.
Conte was visibly irritated by the phrase, which he interpreted as a lack of respect towards his side. “Spalletti said he won against the former champions of Italy? If he really said that, it’s an unfortunate comment,” Conte told reporters. “We still wear the Scudetto on our shirts, so respect must be shown. I would never have said such a thing about another club.”
The Napoli coach continued, softening his tone slightly but maintaining his stance: “Luciano Spalletti is an excellent coach, but he should probably be a bit more careful with his words. You can’t say something like that — there are still sixteen games to play. Maybe he sees us as struggling and thinks we’ve already lost our title, but that’s not the case. It’s disappointing, because we worked hard to earn that Scudetto. I wish him good luck nonetheless.”
