No press conference, no answers: why did Conte and Spalletti stay silent? | OneFootball

Serie A’s biggest fixture arrives under unusual calm

No press conference, no answers: why did Conte and Spalletti stay silent?

Napoli coach Antonio Conte & Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti both skipped media duties before their league meeting on Sunday.

Surprise silence before a major Serie A match

A strange calm has surrounded the build up to Sunday’s big Serie A clash between Juventus and Napoli after both head coaches chose not to speak publicly before the game.

Reports in Italy say Antonio Conte and Luciano Spalletti refused to hold their usual pre match press conferences ahead of the match at the Allianz Stadium.

The decision has raised questions given the importance of the fixture in the race near the top of the table.

Juventus sit fifth, four point behind third placed Napoli and the match is seen as key moment in the title and Champions League qualification battle.

Napoli hit by injuries and departures

Conte will go into the match with a long list of injured players. Napoli expected to miss several important names including Matteo Politano, Amir Rrahmani, David Neres, Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour and goalkeeper Alex Meret.

The squad has also been affected by transfers. Noa Lang has moved on loan to Galatasaray while striker Lorenzo Lucca joined Nottingham Forest on loan deal that includes purchase option.

Despite these problems, Napoli remain unbeaten in nine match across all competitions although four of their last five game ended in draws.

Their most recent result was disappointing 1-1 draw with Copenhagen in the Champions League.

Lukaku set for return

There was some positive news for Napoli as Romelu Lukaku is preparing to appear in the squad for first time this season.

The Belgian striker has recovered from thigh injury completed intense training and played in friendly match as he builds fitness.

His return could give Conte much needed attacking boost against his former club.

Juventus strong at home

Juventus have been solid at home this season and remain unbeaten at the Allianz Stadium. They also gained confidence after 2-0 win over Benfica in midweek.

Spalletti who guided Napoli to the Serie A title in 2023 has suffered only one loss in Juventus last nine matches in all competitions with surprise defeat to Cagliari in the previous round.

The match is not only important for league positions but also carries personal meaning. Conte is former Juventus player and coach while Spalletti has his own strong history with Napoli.