Conte returns to Napoli training after week-long absence: What happened

Antonio Conte is back on the training pitch at Castel Volturno after taking an extended break away from Napoli over the last week. Here’s a reminder of what happened and what is expected to happen next for the Partenopei and their head coach. 

Last week, Napoli confirmed that Conte would be taking an extended personal break in Turin, where his family resides, and that he would not be returning until today: Monday 17 November. 

The majority of the fit and available members of the Napoli squad were away on international duty anyway, which left a limited number of players to work with at the training ground. Assistant Cristian Stellini led the sessions with the reduced group last week. 

Conte has also been involved via phone and video calls and has reportedly been in constant contact with his medical department to keep an eye on his players’ fitness and availability. 

Conte’s break came after a few days of tension in Naples, suggestions that the coach could look to terminate his contract after a poor run of results over the last three games. 

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has completely denied those rumours, and expressed his confidence and trust in Conte on several occasions last week. 

As per Sky Sport Italia, Conte returned to the training pitch on Monday, even though he still has a limited set of players to work with. 

Gradually, more and more of the Napoli first-team squad will return to their club base, with several first-team players set to return on Tuesday or Wednesday. 

Napoli are preparing for a double-header of fixtures over the next week, beginning with a Serie A match against Atalanta on Saturday evening, which will be followed by a visit from Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday night.