Conte takes fresh Napoli break during international duty
Antonio Conte maintains his customary practice of stepping away from Napoli training during international breaks, entrusting coaching duties to his assistant, Cristian Stellini.
This tradition, initiated by Conte in November 2025, is seen by him as a valuable opportunity for personal decompression, while also providing his players with a temporary respite from his famously intense presence.
Conte previously stated that this practice is common in English football, citing precedents from his time at Chelsea and Tottenham. He explained that due to the demanding four-month non-stop playing schedule, he secured an agreement with the club for these breaks, considering them a crucial 'breather' for both himself and the staff remaining at Castelvolturno.
Conte takes time out from Napoli
With a significant portion of the squad away on international commitments, Conte has utilized this break to return to his family home in Turin for a short period. Training sessions for the remaining players at Napoli are being expertly managed by his long-standing assistant, Stellini.
Several key Napoli players are currently on international duty, representing their respective nations. Among those called up for Italy's World Cup play-offs, starting March 26 against Northern Ireland, are Alex Meret, Alessandro Buongiorno, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Matteo Politano. Other notable absentees include Rasmus Hojlund, Stanislav Lobotka, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, and Mathias Olivera.
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