The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona prepares for an emotionally charged Sunday evening as Napoli host Udinese in the final round of the Serie A season, marking Antonio Conte's last game in charge of the Partenopei. After two transformative years that delivered a Scudetto, a Supercoppa Italiana, and Champions League qualification, the Salentino coach will bid farewell to the home fans, determined to sign off with a victory that would secure a second-place finish.
Conte's tenure, though relatively brief, restored Napoli to the domestic summit. His intense, demanding style propelled the club to reclaim the league title after decades of waiting, and even as he departs, the objective remains clear: clinch the runner-up spot to cap a successful campaign. The coach himself has emphasized that no distractions will be tolerated, as even a draw would be enough to achieve second, but his philosophy always aligns with winning.
Udinese travel to Naples with their own sense of accomplishment. Under coach Kosta Runjaic, the Friulians surpassed the 50-point mark for the first time in 13 years, a testament to the stability and progress instilled by the German tactician. Runjaic, recently awarded Manager of the Month for May, spoke modestly about the achievement: "Individual awards in football are nice, but the concept of the team is fundamental. These recognitions are a snapshot of the work done. I thank the people who helped me reach this prize. I am happy, I feel good, and I always try to give everything I have."
The match kicks off at 18:00 CET and will be broadcast exclusively live on DAZN. Fans can also follow minute-by-minute updates on Tuttosport's live coverage. With both teams having little to lose—Napoli's Champions League spot already assured and Udinese comfortably mid-table—the stage is set for an open, entertaining encounter.
Conte is expected to deploy his trademark 3-4-2-1 formation, with Milinkovic-Savic in goal shielded by a back three of Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, and Buongiorno. The wing-backs will be Politano and Spinazzola, providing width and energy. In central midfield, Lobotka and McTominay combine industry and creativity, while Elmas and Santos operate behind the lone striker, Hojlund. The bench boasts quality options, including Meret, Neres, and the veteran De Bruyne.
Udinese will likely line up in a 3-5-2 system, with Okoye between the posts. The defensive trio consists of Kristensen, Kabasele, and Solet, flanked by wing-backs Ehizibue and Zemura. The midfield engine room features Piotrowski, Karlstrom, and Atta, while the attacking duo of Gueye and Davis looks to trouble the Napoli defence. Runjaic has depth to call upon, with players like Zarraga and Bayo ready to make an impact.
The implications for Napoli extend beyond the final whistle. While the Scudetto slipped away this term, finishing second would offer a slight consolation and better coefficient standing. For Conte, a win would cement his legacy and send him off on a high note, as speculation already mounts over his next destination. The players, many of whom have thrived under his tutelage, will be eager to give him a memorable farewell.
Emotionally, the day carries weight. Conte's connection with the Napoli faithful has been profound, reuniting a city with its footballing identity. The Maradona crowd will undoubtedly pay tribute to the man who brought the title back after 33 years, making the occasion more than just a match—it is a celebration of a successful era, however short-lived.
Runjaic's Udinese, meanwhile, will aim to spoil the party and demonstrate the progress that earned them a top-half finish. The squad's blend of youth and experience has been a hallmark of their campaign, and a positive result at a stadium like Maradona would be a fitting end to their best season in over a decade.
Referee Zanotti will oversee the proceedings, assisted by Capaldo and Pascarella, with Manganiello as the fourth official. The VAR room will be manned by Prontera and Pairetto, ensuring the key decisions are reviewed.
As the final whistle approaches, attention will turn to the future. Conte's departure opens a new chapter for Napoli, with the incoming coach facing the challenge of maintaining the high standards set. For now, though, the focus remains on the pitch, where 90 minutes will put a full stop on the 2025-26 Serie A season.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
