Napoli manager Conte relishing Serie A return to former club Juventus

Antonio Conte (55) is eagerly anticipating his return to Juventus as the manager of Napoli this weekend, expressing pride in his contributions to the history of the Turin club, where he guided them to several Serie A championships.

During his playing career, Conte secured five Serie A titles with Juventus and also triumphed in the Champions League. As a manager, he initiated their remarkable nine-year dominance in the Italian top division, clinching three titles from 2011/12 to 2013/14.

The last occasion Conte visited Turin as an opposing manager was in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when no fans were present in the stadium, and his Inter Milan team suffered a defeat at the season's conclusion, having already secured the title.

"My history with Juventus is well-known; I spent 13 years there as a player, serving as captain for several seasons and achieving nearly every accolade. I had the privilege of coaching for three years, which marked the beginning of a nine-title streak," Conte remarked.

"I am an integral part of Juventus' legacy due to my contributions and achievements. While it may be simpler to remain at one club throughout your career, as a coach, one cannot dictate their own path.

"I managed Juventus for three years, and my career has taken me to various locations.

"Today, I take great pleasure in coaching a team like Napoli. As someone from the south, this brings me immense pride and satisfaction.

"Returning to that stadium will evoke many emotions, especially since my last visit was during the pandemic."

Currently, Napoli holds the second position in the league standings, trailing leaders Udinese, while Juventus sits fourth, just one point behind Conte's team.

Juventus is under the management of Thiago Motta, who played for Conte in the Italian national team and secured the position in Turin after leading Bologna to a fifth-place finish last season, which marked the club's first-ever qualification for the Champions League.

Conte remarked on the significant responsibility that Thiago Motta has assumed, stating, "Coaching in that environment is no small feat; the expectation for success is akin to that at AC Milan or Inter.

" He continued, "He was part of my squad during the European Championships, and while he brings a smile to my face, it also brings a touch of melancholy as I realize I am aging.

" With a chuckle, he concluded, "He performed admirably at Bologna, and I extend my best wishes to him personally, though I hope for his misfortune in matches against us."