Melted like snow - Conte angered by Napoli's capitulation at Verona
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A dejected Antonio Conte looks on during Napoli's Serie A loss to Hellas Verona (Credit: Imago)

Melted like snow - Conte angered by Napoli's capitulation at Verona

Seye Omidiora 12:54 - 19.08.2024

The fiery Italian was disappointed by his team’s second-half showing at the Bentegodi on Sunday.

Antonio Conte accepted full responsibility for Napoli's 3-0 defeat to Hellas Verona in their Serie A opener on Sunday. 

Hellas Verona vs Napoli 

The Italian manager expressed his disappointment and apologised to the team's supporters for the poor second-half performance. 

Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte's Napoli were embarrassed by Hellas Verona on Sunday (Credit: Imago)

Napoli had dominated the first half but conceded shortly after the restart, with Verona scoring three unanswered goals through Dailon Rocha Livramento and a Daniel Mosquera brace. 

Conte attributed the loss to a lack of mental fortitude and a need for improvement in all areas of the team.  

“In the first half, there was only one team in it. I don’t think Verona had a shot. Having said that, we immediately let Verona have a shot at the start of the second half, and in the second instance we went behind,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia after full-time.  

“Then we melted like snow in the sun. What I feel like saying is that we should apologise to the Neapolitan supporters, who follow us with such passion. I am the coach and it is right that I take full responsibility.” 

What comes next?

Victor Osimhen
Antonio Conte is still playing without Osimhen. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Napoli were without Victor Osimhen in the loss at the Bentegodi, but the Partenopei boss hinted that the 2023 Serie A champions could be involved in the final days of the summer transfer window as they seek to boost their squad in the 2024-25 season. 

The Naples outfit have been linked with a transfer for unwanted Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku with Osimhen possibly going the other way to West London. 

Conte’s men seek to bounce back from the 3-0 loss to Verona when they host Bologna at the Maradona on Sunday, August 25.