Winning the Scudetto in Naples is a different experience compared to major clubs, where the impact of one more title is less significant. Here, every championship is historic…

With these words, Antonio Conte marked the close of the Serie A season ten days ago, highlighting the fierce championship battle between his Napoli and reigning champions Inter. This sentiment captures the recent emotional rollercoaster in southern Italy, shifting from euphoric celebration to deep disappointment and back.

The emotions peaked on Friday night, concluding in the manner Neapolitans desired, with an extravagant celebration that is rare in European football—a moment reminiscent of the golden era of Diego Maradona. The excitement under Vesuvius escalates whenever Napoli contends for something significant.

This Scudetto victory is momentous, especially as many viewed Inter as the clear favorite throughout the season.

Napoli comfortably defeated Cagliari 2:0 in the season finale (scorers: Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku), finishing the league just one point ahead of the Milan giants.

As for Conte? He proved himself a natural leader, maximizing the potential of the “Azzurri” despite a less favorable squad, particularly after the departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January. Many noted that Napoli’s lack of European commitments allowed them to play roughly twenty fewer matches than Inter. Conte thrives on focusing on a single goal, leading to natural success.

The initial words in this piece resonate more profoundly coming from Conte, a Juventus legend who has clinched titles with bigger clubs than Napoli in his coaching career.

– This is the hardest title I’ve ever won. It’s likely the least expected, yet brings me the greatest joy. The most demanding season is behind us; I remember it didn’t start well, with a 0-0 draw against Modena in the Cup, followed by a 3-0 defeat in Verona in the league, – Conte remarked amidst the celebration.

Napoli managed two draws against Inter (1:1), with the draw in the later stages of the season at “Maradona” being crucial. That match in the 27th round ended dramatically, with Philip Billing ensuring Inter remained just a point ahead.

– We prevented them from pulling away; it would have been a different story had Inter gained a four-point lead.

The celebrations in the streets of Naples show no signs of stopping and are expected to continue for a few more weeks. During this time, it remains uncertain whether Conte will stay on as coach and if reinforcements like Kevin De Bruyne will join the team.

– It’s time for us to revel; we will discuss everything afterwards. I share a strong bond with the president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, and I can confidently say we are both winners—each in our own way.

Speculation is rising that Conte might return to Juventus after an 11-year absence, potentially to be succeeded by Massimiliano Allegri at Napoli—a move that seems to have been tentatively agreed upon.

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