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

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.

Why Conte missed a week of Napoli training

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.

epa12016681 Napoli’s assistant coach Cristian Stellini gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Bologna FC and SSC Napoli, in Bologna, Italy, 07 April 2025. EPA-EFE/SERENA CAMPANINI

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.

What happens next for Conte?

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: SSC Napoli head coach Antonio Conte looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 04, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

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.