Despite growing expectations of a summer departure, Conte and Aurelio De Laurentiis are reportedly prepared to part ways on mutual terms after two trophy-filled seasons in Naples.
The partnership between Antonio Conte and SSC Napoli appears to be approaching its final chapter — but not with conflict, legal battles, or financial disputes.
Instead, if Conte leaves Naples this summer as increasingly expected, the separation is likely to happen through a simple handshake agreement with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
According to reports in Italy, the relationship between the two has remained exceptionally strong behind the scenes, to the point that Conte would be willing to walk away from the final year of his contract without requesting compensation or a severance payment.
The current deal between Napoli and Conte runs through June 2027, but signs continue to point toward an early exit at the end of this season.
What makes the situation unusual in modern soccer is the personal bond between the coach and Napoli’s ownership. Sources close to the club describe a long-standing “gentleman’s agreement” made when Conte arrived in 2024: if either side ever felt the project should end, neither would create financial obstacles for the other.
That understanding now appears central to the ongoing discussions surrounding Conte’s future.
The former Juventus FC and Italy national football team coach has enjoyed enormous success in Naples, winning the 2024-25 Serie A title and the 2025 Italian Super Cup during his tenure.
Since taking over in June 2024, Conte has managed Napoli in 90 matches across all competitions, averaging more than two points per game in Serie A while restoring the club to the top tier of Italian and European soccer.
Sunday’s home match against Udinese Calcio could now become an emotional farewell at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Reports suggest Conte and De Laurentiis may even spend time together in Ischia following the season finale, further underlining the mutual respect that still exists between them despite the possibility of a split.
The uncertainty intensified after Conte’s recent public comments in Pisa, where many interpreted his words as a subtle indication that his cycle in Naples may be ending.
If the separation becomes official next week, Conte would instantly become the most sought-after manager on the Italian market.
Several scenarios are already being discussed across Italy.
One possibility involves the Italy national football team, while another centers around a potential return to Juventus if the club decides to move on from Luciano Spalletti.
Conte remains one of the defining figures of modern Italian coaching, alongside Massimiliano Allegri, and his history with Juventus makes any opening in Turin immediately significant.
As a player, Conte spent 13 seasons with Juventus, making 418 appearances. As manager, he led the club to three consecutive Serie A titles between 2011 and 2014, laying the foundation for one of the most dominant eras in Italian soccer history.
For now, though, emotions are still tied to Naples.
People close to Conte say both he and his family have developed a deep attachment to the city during the past two years, making the possibility of leaving far more complicated than a normal coaching change.
That is why, even if the story ends this summer, it is expected to end with gratitude rather than bitterness.
And in today’s soccer world, that may be the rarest outcome of all.
