Antonio Conte, the mastermind behind Napoli’s remarkable resurgence in the Serie A title race, is reportedly plotting a sensational return to Juventus this summer, according to sources close to the Italian football scene. Despite steering Napoli to the brink of their first Scudetto since 2023, tensions with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis have cast a shadow over Conte’s future at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, fueling speculation of a move back to Turin.
Conte, who led Juventus to three consecutive Serie A titles between 2011 and 2014, is said to be disillusioned with Napoli’s management, particularly after a lack of financial backing in the January transfer window following the departure of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain. Sources indicate that Conte’s relationship with De Laurentiis has deteriorated to an all-time low, with the Italian tactician expressing frustration over the club’s limited ambition despite their on-pitch success. Napoli’s strong defensive record, conceding just 25 goals in 32 matches, and the emergence of players like Scott McTominay under Conte’s guidance have not been enough to quell his desire for greater control and investment, something he believes Juventus could offer.
Juventus, currently under the stewardship of Igor Tudor, are reportedly keen to bring Conte back to the Allianz Stadium as part of a major overhaul for the 2025-26 season. The Bianconeri, who are teetering on the edge of Champions League qualification, see Conte as the ideal candidate to restore their dominance after a disappointing campaign. Insiders suggest Juventus are prepared to offer Conte a three-year contract with significant authority to reshape the squad, potentially including a blockbuster move for Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray but expected to be sold in the summer. Osimhen’s €75m release clause for non-Serie A clubs has not deterred Juventus, who are willing to pay a premium to secure the Nigerian international as part of a “double-deal” with Napoli.
Napoli, aware of the growing interest from Juventus and even AC Milan, are not standing idle. Reports indicate that De Laurentiis has already made contact with former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri as a potential replacement should Conte depart. The club is determined to avoid being caught off-guard, as they were after Luciano Spalletti’s exit following their 2023 title triumph. Conte’s contract, which runs until 2027, gives Napoli leverage, but the Italian manager’s history of short, intense tenures—evidenced by his stints at Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Tottenham—suggests he may force an exit if his demands for substantial transfer market investment are not met.
Adding intrigue to the saga, former Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini, now in a yet-to-be-defined role within the club’s hierarchy, is reportedly playing a pivotal role in negotiations to lure Conte back. Posts on X reflect a growing sentiment among Juventus fans that Conte’s return, potentially alongside his former fitness coach Antonio Pintus, could mark a turning point for the club. However, some Napoli supporters remain skeptical, with social media chatter suggesting Conte’s departure would hinge on securing the Scudetto, which could ease his exit from De Laurentiis’ grip.