Antonio Conte’s reign at Napoli came to a close on Saturday evening as the Partenopei secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Udinese in the final Serie A match of the season. Rasmus Hojlund’s first-half strike proved enough to see off the visitors, allowing Conte to say his goodbyes under the curva with a win, a second-place finish, and the enduring legacy of a Scudetto and Supercoppa Italiana triumph.
Conte’s Napoli tenure, though not without its challenges, delivered the club’s first league title in decades and a domestic Supercoppa, cementing his status in the hearts of the fans. This season’s second-place finish behind champions Inter ensured Champions League football for next year, but the coach’s departure had been confirmed, making this final home fixture an emotional farewell.
The match itself began at a blistering pace, with both sides threatening early. However, the intensity took its toll after just 10 minutes when Brazilian midfielder Alisson Santos pulled up with a flexor problem. His replacement, Kevin De Bruyne, would prove decisive only 14 minutes later.
In the 24th minute, De Bruyne, the Belgian playmaker, threaded a magnificent through-ball to Hojlund. The Danish striker made no mistake, firing past Udinese goalkeeper Okoye to give Napoli a lead they would never relinquish. It was a moment of individual brilliance that underscored the quality still present in Conte’s squad.
Napoli’s injury troubles continued before the break. Slovakian midfielder Stanislav Lobotka was forced off on 35 minutes with a muscular issue, forcing Conte into another early change. These disruptions disrupted Napoli’s rhythm, but they held firm to take a 1-0 lead into the interval.
Udinese, coached by Runjaic, came out with intent in the second half, pushing for an equalizer. The introduction of striker Buksa for midfielder Karlstrom signaled an all-out attacking approach. Yet their hopes evaporated in the 64th minute when central defender Christian Kabasele was shown a straight red card. Referee Zanotti consulted the video review after Kabasele kicked out at Hojlund off the ball, and the verdict was clear: violent conduct, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
With the man advantage, Napoli created the better chances to double their lead. Hojlund, a constant menace, broke free and squared for Scott McTominay, but the Scottish international blazed over from close range, missing a gilt-edged opportunity to put the result beyond any doubt.
In the closing stages, Conte made a sentimental change, bringing on third-choice goalkeeper Contini to replace Alex Meret with 10 minutes remaining. It was a gesture that allowed Contini, a long-serving squad member, to get a run-out in front of the home fans, perhaps a small symbol of the solidarity Conte had fostered within the group.
At the final whistle, the Stadio Maradona erupted not in raucous celebration but in warm appreciation. Conte walked to the curva, applauding and receiving the adulation of the supporters who had witnessed his transformative impact. Sources confirm that Conte will now step away from the club, leaving behind a trophy-laden legacy and a squad packed with talent.
For Udinese, the defeat meant a tenth-place finish with 50 points, a mid-table position that reflects a season of unconvincing results. Kabasele’s dismissal summed up a frustrating afternoon for the Friulani, who never seriously threatened after going down to ten.
As the Napoli hierarchy begins the search for Conte’s successor, the outgoing coach departs with his head held high. The Scudetto and Supercoppa represent tangible achievements that will forever link his name to this era. The 76-point haul this season, while not enough to defend the title, ensures a return to Europe’s elite competition, a crucial factor for the club’s ambitions.
The day ultimately belonged to Conte, whose farewell was marked by victory. Rasmus Hojlund’s goal, De Bruyne’s creator’s cameo, and the resilience shown amid injuries all painted a picture of a team that, even in transition, remained competitive. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
