Conte’s Pre-Planned Break Sparks Conversation Amid Napoli Tensions

Key Takeaways:

• Antonio Conte began a three-day break from Napoli duties, staying with his family in Turin, as confirmed by official club communication
• The absence follows Napoli’s 0-2 defeat to Bologna and extensive speculation about Conte’s future at the club
• Conte is scheduled to return to Naples on Monday, 17 November, as national team players also rejoin training

Conte Steps Away Temporarily During National Team Pause

Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli, has taken a short hiatus during the international break, heading to Turin to spend time with his family. For the duration of his absence, first-team training has been entrusted to his assistant, Cristian Stellini. The club clarified through an official statement that the coach’s three-day leave was both “already planned and coordinated with the club long ago.”

Napoli have released a statement confirming that coach Antonio Conte will not be back at the training ground until Monday November 17.#Napoli #SerieA #Calcio #SerieAEnilive #UCL pic.twitter.com/saADnhbFBA

— Football Italia (@footballitalia) November 12, 2025

Break Surrounded by Recent Club Turmoil

Conte’s time away has attracted heightened interest due to its timing. It comes in the aftermath of Napoli’s 0-2 loss to Bologna, an encounter that saw Conte openly criticise his side. Compounding matters, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis recently published a lengthy social media statement, addressing persistent rumours concerning a possible resignation from Conte.

Return Date and Club Outlook

Conte will return to Naples at the start of next week, on Monday, 17 November, as the club’s internationals also begin to arrive back for training. The club’s official stance in recent days has been unwavering, with unified support declared for Conte. Attention now turns to whether the coach and his players can re-establish the cohesion and drive that have apparently been lacking at the campaign’s outset.

Upcoming Fixture Challenges

Napoli will soon embark on a challenging series of matches. In Serie A, they will compete against Atalanta, Roma, and Juventus. Their Champions League schedule includes encounters with Qarabag and Benfica, and an Italian Cup fixture against Cagliari is also on the horizon. With a demanding stretch ahead, there will be no opportunity for complacency; renewed focus and collective spirit will be crucial as Conte aims to galvanise the squad on his return to recapture the form displayed last season.