ANTONIO CONTE has quit as Napoli’s boss – after a fierce row with owner Aurelio De Laurentiis live on TV.
The Italian, 56, told the Serie A giants he was ready to walk away without a compensation package last month.
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Antonio Conte (right) was involved in a heated argument with Aurelio De Laurentiis Credit: DAZN
The former Chelsea chief has quit Napoli Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
And Conte was involved in a spectacular argument with De Laurentiis during his press conference on the final day of the season.
The Premier League title-winning chief hit back when the Napoli supremo claimed his side were unlucky not to beat champions Inter to the Scudetto.
De Laurentiis, 77, said: “Without injuries, we easily would have won the league again.”
But a visibly shocked Conte, who is being linked with a second spell as Italy’s head coach, claimed: “Absolutely not.”
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De Laurentiis doubled down on his opinion, adding: “Come on, I’m telling you.”
Conte could not be swayed though, insisting: “I absolutely disagree with you.
“Credit must be given to Inter, who are a great team. Last year they reached the Champions League final, and this year they’ve got even better. They deserved to win.”
De Laurentiis appeared to fire a brutal dig at the title winners, complaining: “Inter is such a great team, that in Europe they did WORSE than last year.”
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Conte did not hold back when De Laurentiis claimed Napoli were unlucky to miss out on the title Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
But Conte had the final word, admitting: “Well, they did better than us. They went further than we did.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t like clinging to these things. We have to acknowledge others’ victories and show respect.
“If we want respect, we have to give it. Inter deserved to win the league, with injuries or not.”
Conte spearheaded Napoli to the fourth Serie A crown in their history last season.
And despite ending the campaign with a 1-0 win over Udinese thanks to a goal from Rasmus Hojlund, whose loan from Manchester United is set to become permanent, the title was won by Inter weeks ago.
Conte guided Chelsea to Premier League and FA Cup glory while he was at Stamford Bridge but had a less happy spell in charge of Tottenham.
