Antonio Conte’s notoriously fiery personality was on full display after Napoli’s embarrassing start to the Serie A season. A 3-0 defeat at the hands of Verona, a team facing its own set of challenges, highlighted the uphill battle Napoli faces. The club’s summer has been marked by difficulties following their disastrous title defense last season.
The loss to Verona was particularly concerning due to the absence of key player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who sustained an injury just before halftime. Without their talisman, Napoli looked disjointed and vulnerable, ultimately succumbing to a dominant Verona performance.
The upcoming match against Bologna promises to be another test for Conte and his team. Bologna, under new manager Vincenzo Italiano, is brimming with optimism following a strong performance in their opening match against Udinese, despite only managing a 1-1 draw.
Conte’s transfer dealings have also added to the pressure. While the arrival of winger David Neres from Benfica provides some relief, the club’s failure to offload star striker Victor Osimhen is a major concern.
Osimhen’s hefty release clause has deterred potential suitors like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, who haven’t made offers that meet Napoli’s demands. With no club willing to meet the €130 million price tag, Napoli might be forced to sell the Nigerian forward for a significantly lower sum, closer to the initial €70 million they paid for him in 2020.
The transfer drama surrounding Osimhen further compounds Conte’s woes as he navigates a challenging start to the season. The pressure is mounting, and Conte’s characteristically demanding approach will likely be on full display as he attempts to steer his team through these tumultuous times.
