Antonio Conte leads Napoli back to Serie A glory
- Napoli secured their fourth Serie A title with a 2-0 win over Cagliari, solidifying their place in Italian football.
- Coach Antonio Conte overcame a tough start to rejuvenate a struggling team that had suffered from a poor previous season.
- The victory earned Conte a historic achievement as the first coach to win Serie A titles with three different clubs.
In Italy, Napoli crowned their return to the top of Serie A on May 23, 2025, with a 2-0 victory over Cagliari at the Diego Maradona stadium. This triumph marks Napoli's fourth Italian league title, following their previous championships in 1987, 1990, and 2023. Under the guidance of coach Antonio Conte, who took over after a season of poor performance that saw the team finish 10th, Napoli transformed significantly. Conte’s appointment came at a time when the club had struggled with leadership, having gone through three coaches in one season and losing key players. Conte began his tenure by facing immediate challenges, including a demoralizing 3-0 loss to Hellas Verona in the first match. He candidly expressed his shame regarding the team's initial performance. However, he managed to rejuvenate the squad, introducing new talent while maintaining some regular starters. Significant contributions from players like Scott McTominay, who scored 12 goals this season, helped propel Napoli past their rivals. The club held a delicate one-point lead over defending champions Inter Milan, who had been distracted by their Champions League commitments. As the season progressed, Napoli fans became increasingly optimistic, already celebrating before the decisive match. Conte's transformation of the team from a mere contender to champions is viewed as one of his biggest achievements, drawing parallels to his past successes with Juventus and Inter. The coaching change and subsequent player adjustments led to a revitalized Napoli that not only reclaimed their status but did so with five games to spare earlier in the season. The 'scudetto' celebrations ignited joy among Napoli supporters, comparing this quick return to success with the legendary Diego Maradona's era in the late 1980s. With this championship, Conte becomes the first coach to win Serie A titles with three different clubs, solidifying his legacy in Italian football. The victory not only marked an important moment for Napoli, restoring pride, but it also showcased Conte's tactical prowess, adaptability, and leadership qualities, culminating in a thrilling season that ended in triumph for the southern Italian city.