Antonio Conte has hit back at Luciano Spalletti after the Juventus coach referred to Napoli as “former champions”, a line that sparked an angry response from the Napoli boss.
Spalletti’s remark came as Juventus and Napoli continue to trade barbs off the pitch, with the rivalry between the two clubs never far from the surface. The Juventus manager’s phrasing was seen in Naples as a pointed dig, reducing Napoli’s recent success to something already in the past.
Conte did not hide his frustration when asked about it, insisting Spalletti should show more respect for what Napoli achieved. “He can’t say that!” Conte said, making it clear he took the comment personally and felt it crossed a line.
The Napoli coach underlined that titles are earned and cannot be dismissed with a throwaway label, especially by a rival. Conte’s response was direct and forceful, as he sought to defend both the club and its supporters from what he viewed as an unnecessary provocation.
The exchange adds another edge to an already tense battle between two of Serie A’s biggest names, with Conte and Spalletti now at the centre of a public war of words after the “former champions” jab.
