Winning the Scudetto in Naples is not like in big clubs, where one more or less doesn't make much difference. Here, every title is historic...
With those words it is Antonio Conte ten days ago, he announced the end of the Serie A season and the championship fight between his Napoli and the then current ruler Inter - and they probably best describe the atmosphere in southern Italy, which in recent days has gone from indescribable celebration to great disappointment and back again.
Emotions culminated on Friday night and it ended exactly as the Neapolitans wanted, it probably couldn't have been any other way - with a big celebration, unique in European football because it has been a long time, since the golden era. Diego Maradona, it's clear that there's general madness under Vesuvius when Napoli plays for something big.
And this Scudetto win is big, huge, because it was believed throughout the season that Inter was the absolute favorite.
Napoli routinely defeated Cagliari 2:0 in the last round (goals Scota Mektomins i Romelu Lukaku) and finished the season with a point ahead of the Milan giants.
And Conte? He showed that he is a born winner, because he is the "Azure" from this limited squad, especially after January when he was sold. Khviča Kvaracheli - got the most out of it, maybe even more. Many people cite the fact that Napoli, unlike Inter, had no European commitments, so they played about twenty games less. Conte especially likes this - to dedicate himself to one goal and then the result comes automatically.
The words at the beginning of the text probably have special significance when spoken by Conte himself - a Juventus playing legend, a man who has won titles in Italy as a coach with the "old lady" and Inter, definitely bigger clubs and centers than Napoli and Naples.
- The most difficult title I've won. Probably the least expected, but it gives me the most joy. The most challenging season is behind us, and I remember it didn't start well because we played 0-0 with Modena in the Cup, then lost 3-0 in Verona in the league - said Conte in the midst of a great celebration.
Napoli drew two matches with Inter (1:1), and the draw in the second half of the season at “Maradona” was particularly important. In that 27th round, the final result was set at the very end. Philip Billing - After that derby, Inter remained one point ahead.
- We stopped them from getting away, it wouldn't have been the same if Inter had escaped with a plus four.
The festivities on the streets of Naples are not abating, and will probably last for at least a few more weeks, and during that period it should be known whether Conte will remain on the bench and whether reinforcements will arrive in the form of Kevin de Bruyne.
- It's time to enjoy ourselves, we'll talk about everything. I have a great relationship with the president. Aureliom de Laurentisom and I can say that we are two winners - each in our own way.
Rumors are growing that Conte is returning to the Juventus bench after 11 years, and that he will be replaced by Napoli. Massimiliano AllegriApparently it has already been agreed upon.
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