New Napoli boss Antonio Conte has opened up on a ‘difficult‘ transfer window and the club’s inability to lure stars to the Diego Maradona Stadium. In an interview with SportMediaset following a nerve-shredding Coppa Italia win against Modena on Saturday, the famous coach conceded a lack of European football hindered his recruitment plans.
Napoli ousted second-tier Modena on penalties after a tepid 0-0 scoreline in regulation time. It was far from an ideal touchline debut for Conte. In his defense, the ex-Inter and Juventus manager couldn’t bring any top player to Naples since taking over the reins at the beginning of the summer.
“I knew the situation when I came, and in the market, you have limits on the cost of the player’s salary,” the Napoli coach said, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. “Most of the time, players don’t come here because we don’t play in the (European) cups.
“I want the best for Napoli and to try and strengthen the squad because we need it. I don’t know what will happen down the line. Today was a dose of reality.“
The only chance for Napoli to raise funds for new signings is the sale of Victor Osimhen. But Conte’s men have struggled to receive many tangible proposals for their wantaway star. Osimhen’s exit is the only way for Conte to reunite with Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku has already agreed to take a significant pay cut to join Napoli. Yet, the transfer can’t materialize before the Italian giants sell Osimhen.
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