Conte denies Italian football crisis despite Euro exit: ‘It’s partially true’

Napoli boss Antonio Conte explains why Italian football is not in crisis despite the Azzurri’s EURO 2024 exit: ‘It’s partially true…’

The ex-Juventus and Inter tactician spoke to Rai Sport about preparation for 2024-25 with the Partenopei and the state of Italian football.

The journalist noted that Italy’s exit from the summer Euros means that football is the Peninsula is a step behind other countries in the world.

“This is partially true because last year, like two years ago, an Italian club reached a [European] Final,” Conte argued.

“Last year, we reached the Finals in Europa and Conference League. Plus, there was an Italian coach [Ancelotti] in the Champions League Final, like in the previous campaign. It’s not a countertrend, absolutely.”

Isn’t it true, then, that there are too many foreigners in Serie A?

“These things always emerge when there are disappointments like the World Cup or the Euros,” said the Napoli boss.

“We have been living in this situation for a long time, but when things go well, we pretend nothing is happening. This has always been the case, so we must get accustomed to it. If we want to find a solution, we must do so in good and bad times.”