Napoli hosts Udinese at Stadio Maradona for the final Serie A match of the season, but the spotlight shines brightest on Antonio Conte, who will bid farewell to the club after a trophy-laden two-year tenure. Kickoff is set for 6 PM local time, with the match airing exclusively on DAZN.
Conte's departure marks the end of an era that saw Napoli reclaim domestic glory. In just two seasons, he delivered a Scudetto, a Supercoppa Italiana, and secured Champions League qualification. His relentless drive to win typified his reign, and even a runner-up finish in this campaign would be a testament to his impact.
The coach leaves on his own terms, and while the club and fans celebrate his contributions, there's a palpable sense of transition. Conte's high-intensity philosophy reshaped the squad, instilling a winning mentality that will undoubtedly influence the next chapter. His final team selection reflects both loyalty and ambition.
Napoli lines up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Meret in goal; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, and Olivera form the back three; Politano and Gutierrez operate as wing-backs; Lobotka and McTominay anchor the midfield; Elmas and Alisson support striker Rasmus Hojlund. This attacking trio promises creativity and pace against Udinese's defense.
For Udinese, the match carries less weight after achieving their 50-point target—their best tally in 13 years. Manager Kosta Runjaic, recently honored as Serie A's Coach of the Month for May, has transformed the Friulani into a resilient unit. His side will aim to spoil Conte's farewell party.
Runjaic, ever humble, downplayed individual accolades: "Individual awards in football are nice, but the team concept is fundamental—they're a snapshot of the work done. I thank those who helped me achieve this prize. I'm happy, I feel good, and I always try to give everything I have." His words underscore Udinese's collective spirit this season.
Udinese's lineup also deploys a 3-4-2-1: Okoye starts in goal; Kristensen, Kabasele, and Solet in defense; Ehizibue and Zemura as wing-backs; Karlstrom and Piotrowski in midfield; Miller and Atta behind striker Keinan Davis. The visitors will look to counter quickly, exploiting any emotional lapses from the hosts.
The match might seem a formality, but Conte would never accept complacency. Napoli needs just a draw to secure second place, but the coach's mantra—"the verb is to win"—means they'll push for three points. Expect an aggressive start from the Partenopei, driven by the emotional weight of the occasion.
Beyond the scoreboard, this game symbolizes Conte's lasting legacy. His ability to maximize talent, from Elmas's resurgence to Hojlund's development, leaves a strong foundation. The incoming manager—whoever it may be—will inherit a squad accustomed to success and expectation.
As the Maradona says goodbye to a beloved figure, the focus remains on the pitch. Fans will savor every pass, every tackle, and every goal, knowing this team was molded by a coach who demands nothing less than perfection. The whistle at full time will signal more than the end of a match—it will close a glorious chapter.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
