A single phrase has sent ripples through Italian football: “This time I can’t go where he goes.” According to reports from La Verità (as quoted by Calciomercato) , these words were spoken by Gabriele Oriali, the long-time collaborator and trusted team manager of Antonio Conte, to friends in Milan and Coverciano. Oriali has been by Conte’s side during their successful stints with the Italian national team, Inter, and now Napoli. The suggestion that he would not follow Conte to his next destination has fuelled speculation about Conte’s future, particularly regarding possible moves to Juventus or AC Milan.
The Unique Bond Between Conte and Oriali
Antonio Conte has often relied on Oriali as his right-hand man, considering him an indispensable presence on the bench. Their partnership has been a constant in Conte’s managerial journey across Italy. However, La Verità notes that there is one exception to this rule: a potential return to Juventus. While Juventus fans dream of Conte’s comeback, and Napoli supporters fear it, the deep-rooted rivalry between Juventus and Inter-Oriali’s club as both player and executive for over four decades-makes it unthinkable for Oriali to join Conte in Turin. Oriali, as a symbol of Inter, would not be accepted by the Juventus faithful.
The same logic applies to AC Milan. The historic rivalry between Milan and Inter would make it equally difficult for Oriali to consider a role with the Rossoneri, even if Conte were to take the helm there. Thus, Oriali’s statement is seen as a signal that, should Conte move to either Juventus or Milan, he would do so without his most trusted collaborator.
Conte’s Immediate Focus: Napoli’s Title Race
For now, Conte’s attention remains firmly on Napoli, who are leading Inter by a single point with just two matches left in the league. The outcome of this title race will likely influence Conte’s next steps. Meanwhile, Juventus are battling for a Champions League spot, needing wins against Udinese and Venezia to secure qualification. Milan, on the other hand, are preparing for the Coppa Italia final against Bologna.
What’s Next for Napoli and Conte?
Should Conte decide to leave Napoli at the end of the season, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly has a clear first-choice replacement: Massimiliano Allegri. The future of Napoli, Juventus, and Milan could all hinge on Conte’s decision-and, by extension, on whether Oriali’s words truly mark the end of one of Italian football’s most successful managerial partnerships.
Oriali’s Response and the Waiting Game
Later in the day, Oriali issued a denial through Napoli’s press office, stating that he never made the remark attributed to him. La Verità, however, acknowledged the denial but indicated that they would remain attentive to further developments.
