Why Conte is frustrated at Napoli: from Kvaratskhelia’s exit to risk of missed Scudetto chance | OneFootball

The January departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, combined with Napoli’s limited efforts to strengthen the squad, are the main factors frustrating coach Antonio Conte, who believes these constraints could jeopardise his side’s Scudetto challenge and cause them to miss out on a major opportunity.

The Italian manager did not hide his perplexity over the club’s recent decisions, stating in a press conference ahead of today’s Serie A clash with Monza that ‘many things can’t be done’.

PARIS, FRANCE – APRIL 09: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa FC at Parc des Princes on April 09, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

In addition to fueling speculation about a potential exit at the end of the season, Conte’s comments once again reflect a discontent rooted in Napoli’s failure to provide a replacement for the Georgian star following his move to PSG. This frustration has grown in recent months, as the lack of attacking solutions has evidently cost the team valuable points.

Conte’s frustration grows at Napoli after Kvaratskhelia exit and transfer inaction

The Partenopei have won just two of their eight Serie A matches across February and March, and Conte believes their diminished firepower up front has played a key role in this poor run of form, as highlighted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Unsurprisingly, the coach blames the club’s transfer strategy for holding them back in a tight title race with Inter—a race in which Napoli could have capitalised on their rivals’ sluggish winter form had they been better equipped.

epa11898868 Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte during the Serie A soccer match between SS Lazio and SSC Napoli at the Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 15 February 2025. EPA-EFE/Riccardo Antimiani

While the former Chelsea boss remains determined to fight the Nerazzurri until the end, he would view a second-place finish as a missed opportunity, with recent injuries and the resulting need to adapt players to unfamiliar roles having only added to his frustration.

Regardless of how the season ends, Conte’s disappointment with the club’s strategy may increase his willingness to consider offers from elsewhere, with Juventus and Milan reportedly monitoring his situation closely.