Sports
De Laurentiis sends strong Napoli message after tension between Conte and players
NAPLES, ITALY – JUNE 26: Antonio Conte new SSC Napoli head coach and Aurelio De Laurentiis SSC Napoli president during SSC Napoli new manager unveiling on June 26, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis made a pointed statement after the 3-1 victory over Atalanta, aimed at both Antonio Conte and the squad.
The Partenopei ran riot at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this evening with a brace from David Neres and Noa Lang’s first goal for the club all before half-time.
Gianluca Scamacca got one back for Atalanta after the restart, but it was not enough to prevent their success.
De Laurentiis was in the stands, along with ex-Napoli stars Lorenzo Insigne and Antonio Careca, and he took to social media after the final whistle.
The wording of his message on X, formerly known as Twitter, raised a few eyebrows.
De Laurentiis makes his point on Napoli
“Bravo Antonio Conte, who has taken the team back in time. Well done to the players who followed his instructions.”
Bravo Antonio Conte che si è ripreso in mano la squadra. Bravi i calciatori che hanno eseguito le sue istruzioni.
— AurelioDeLaurentiis (@ADeLaurentiis) November 22, 2025
The word the Napoli patron used here was not a coincidence, as it very clearly notes that Conte has taken the team back in hand, suggesting he had previously lost control of them.
The second part of the message was also particularly pointed, as the coach had complained after the 2-0 defeat to Bologna that some in the squad “weren’t listening” to him.
With regards to this, Lang also made a comment to Sky Sport Italia straight after the final whistle that hinted at some tension behind the scenes.
“Honestly, it was a difficult period. I came here with big expectations, I needed to be patient and to work hard. I didn’t always agree with it honestly, but I follow God’s plan.
“From now on, I only want to look forward. The best is yet to come, this is just the beginning.”
This was the Dutchman’s first goal, but also only his second start in the Napoli jersey.
