Italian media question Milan decision to snub Conte

Antonio Conte’s Napoli beat Milan 2-0 at San Siro on Tuesday, and Italian media questioned Rossoneri’s decision to snub the Italian tactician to hire Paulo Fonseca last summer.

Conte’s Napoli are the runaway Serie A leaders with 25 points in 10 games. They lost on their debut against Hellas Verona in August, but they’ve remained unbeaten since, collecting eight victories and one draw against Juventus.

The Partenopei cemented their lead by beating Milan 2-0 at San Siro last night and Gazzetta dello Sport described their performance in Milan as a Conte’ lesson’ to Fonseca and the Rossoneri.

Conte signed a three-year deal at the Stadio Maradona last summer after weeks of speculation about a possible appointment to Milan.

However, Red Bird advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic said during Paulo Fonseca’s unveiling press conference that the Diavoli had never considered hiring the ex-Juventus and Inter coach.

“Conte’s name didn’t come up for what we were looking for,” said Ibra.

“It depends on the material you have. For us, the best for what we have and for the identity we want to bring is Paulo Fonseca.”

Conte hit back a few days later, suggesting that he had been snubbed because of his strong personality: “I consider myself a manager in terms of tactics and training. I want to make my voice heard. Perhaps this could annoy somebody elsewhere.”

The Rossoneri have a game in hand, but they currently sit eighth in the Serie A table with 14 points in nine matches.

The gap between Milan and Napoli prompted some Italian media to question the Rossoneri’s decision to snub Conte last summer despite knowing he’d be available for the role, as his assistant Christian Stellini suggested.

‘Milan, are you watching Conte?’ wrote La Gazzetta dello Sport on their front page. And also: ‘What a lesson from at San Siro from the tactician who the Rossoneri supporters wanted.’

Tuttomercatoweb wrote that the Rossoneri should ‘regret’ not hiring the Italian tactician, who is now the Serie A table leader with his Napoli side.