Napoli Boss Reflects on Emotional Return to Juventus After 0-0 Draw

Napoli coach Antonio Conte has offered his verdict on an ‘emotional‘ return to Juventus after Saturday’s tepid 0-0 stalemate in Turin. The decorated manager, who won five Serie A titles at the Allianz Stadium, saluted the Bianconeri fans and admitted they’d ‘never be his enemies.‘

Conte returned to Italian football this summer after three years away to take charge of out-of-sorts Napoli. The 55-year-old had inspired the Partenopei to three wins in the opening four league rounds before slipping to a scoreless draw on his old stomping ground.

Juventus supporters granted the new Napoli boss a warm reception. Excited for his return to Turin, Conte waved back at fans after the final whistle.

“It was a great emotion. Thanking the fans I spent 16 years with was the minimum I could do,” he said in the post-match interview. “That being said, I am happy to be at Napoli and greeted our fans, too. Coming here is always a great emotion; nobody can take this away from me.

“There will always be rivalry between the fans, but violence should never be. I spent many years in England, where I saw education and respect,” Conte maintained.

“I’m part of Juventus’ history, and nobody will ever take this away from me. I hope I’ll make Napoli history as well. Rivalry is one thing, but there must always be education and respect because, in this world, many people tend to forget what recognition is. So it’s not nice. Today, they saw me as an opponent. Me too, but they’ll never be enemies.“