Conte responds to Juventus links with two-word message | OneFootball

Antonio Conte has been linked with the Juventus job, but the Napoli coach argues that ‘media games’ are ‘an art’ in Italy: ‘Any answer can create something.’

Juventus coach Thiago Motta is under scrutiny and is expected to be sacked if the Bianconeri fail to finish in the top four this season.

Conte has been linked with a return to the Allianz Stadium in 2025-26, and Saturday’s edition of Tuttosport reported the ex-midfielder was the favourite option among the Bianconeri supporters.

The Turin-based paper launched a poll this week, and the results showed that Conte was Juventus fans’ favourite candidate.

Conte responds to Juventus links with two-word message

epa11908472 Renato Veiga of Juventus FC leaves the pitch du to injury during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs 2nd leg soccer match between PSV Eindhoven and Juventus FC in Eindhoven, Netherlands, 19 February 2025. EPA-EFE/KOEN VAN WEEL

Conte was asked his thoughts on this, but he only branded the Tuttosport report as “media games.”

“I don’t have to respond to anyone. These are media games, it’s an art in Italy,” Conte said via TuttoNapoli.

“Any answer I give can create something. It’s all part of the media game, and that’s fine. I take note of it.”

Napoli visit strugglers Venezia at the Stadio Penzo tomorrow, and a win would allow the Partenopei to jump to the top of the table while waiting for Atalanta-Inter. This is why Conte said the upcoming match should be treated like a “World Cup Final.”

Lastly, Conte spoke about the Italy squad named by Luciano Spalletti, which includes five Napoli players.

“Of course, if we can help the national team with our players, it’s a source of pride and satisfaction,” Conte said.

“Let’s say that Meret, Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, and Raspadori had already been called up. Politano has been recalled as a result of the good season he’s having, although I still expect a bit more from him. He knows that very well, but it’s still satisfying.”