Conte orchestrates Napoli’s stunning Scudetto win through unwavering determination

 

Napoli Crowned Serie A Champions in Conte’s Cautiously Earned Triumph

Antonio Conte had urged restraint. In the lead-up to Napoli's final home game, he cautioned the city not to get ahead of itself — not to celebrate a title that wasn’t yet mathematically theirs. “I don’t want to see flags here and there with numbers on,” he said after a tense draw with Parma in the penultimate round. Everyone understood: Napoli were within reach of a fourth scudetto, but Conte, ever the superstitious tactician, wasn’t ready to name it.

On Friday, the celebrations finally exploded into life. Only after Napoli sealed a 2-0 victory over Cagliari did a massive white banner descend from the stands at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, boldly emblazoned with a black “4.” Red and green flares completed the tricolore — a nod to the scudetto badge they would now wear with pride.

Conte, watching from a private box due to a suspension, could no longer resist the moment. Outside the stadium, thousands gathered, setting off fireworks in scenes more volcanic than Vesuvius itself.

No one thought this would happen so quickly. Napoli had waited 33 years between their second and third Serie A titles. Many fans feared they’d never win again without Maradona. Luciano Spalletti broke the drought two years ago — then rode off into the sunset in a repainted Fiat Panda.

Few expected a repeat, especially after a tumultuous offseason. Last season, Napoli finished a dismal 10th. Their top scorer, Victor Osimhen, was loaned to Galatasaray in a cost-saving move. Star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was sold to PSG in January without a replacement. New arrival David Neres, meant to fill the gap, was injured early on.

Yet, after opening the season with a humbling 3-0 defeat to Verona, Napoli rose to the top — and stayed there for most of the campaign. Often gritty rather than glamorous, they thrived on consistency. Their early Coppa Italia exit and absence from European competition allowed them to focus solely on the league.

While Inter Milan faltered in critical matchups — dropping five points apiece to Juventus, Milan, and Bologna — Napoli stayed steady. There were nervous spells, including back-to-back draws against Genoa and Parma, but Inter couldn’t capitalize, surrendering leads and momentum.

Even on the final night, there was tension. Inter scored first in their simultaneous match at Como, momentarily overtaking Napoli in the live standings. But then, as he has done so often, Scott McTominay delivered.

Nicknamed Apribottiglie — “the Bottle Opener” — in Naples, the Scottish midfielder broke the deadlock with a stunning scissor-kick just before half-time, his 12th league goal of the season and eighth match-winner. It's no surprise he was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player post-match.

What a signing he’s proven to be — €30 million from Manchester United for a player who’s since flourished in multiple roles, from box-to-box midfielder to left winger.

Still, this was no solo act. Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead shortly after the break with a powerful run and finish — his 14th goal of the season to go with 10 assists, a league-best tally. His bond with Conte remains strong, a key link from their title-winning campaign with Inter. At full-time, the manager sprinted onto the pitch to embrace his striker in a touching moment.

Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis hovered nearby, awkwardly waiting his turn. His relationship with Conte has been strained — especially after the sale of Kvaratskhelia — and neither man would confirm the manager’s return next season. But on this night, that didn’t matter.

The fans had their moment. Napoli were champions again — two titles in three years, something even Maradona never accomplished.

And perhaps most remarkable: this triumph came after losing Spalletti and two of the team’s biggest stars. Napoli burned through three managers last season before landing Conte. Credit De Laurentiis for making it work, even if his methods are unconventional.

For Conte, this was “the most unexpected, difficult and stimulating scudetto” of his career — a career already rich in titles with Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter. For Napoli’s unsung heroes — Frank Anguissa dominating midfield, Amir Rrahmani stepping up at center-back, captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo rediscovering his best form — it was a reward for resilience.

As they gathered beneath the curva, Conte raised a cardboard scudetto cutout with one word written on it: “Ag4in.”