Conte Blasts Fixture List After Napoli’s Champions League Exit

Antonio Conte’s Napoli endured a bitter blow in the Champions League, exiting the competition at the hands of Chelsea and leaving the fiery Italian manager fuming at what he described as “genius” fixture scheduling.

Antonio Conte Frustrated by Packed Schedule

Antonio Conte’s anger was palpable following Napoli’s 3-2 defeat to Chelsea, a result that sealed the Serie A champions’ elimination from Europe’s elite tournament. Conte had to contend with a severely depleted squad—13 first-team players were unavailable due to injury—during a decisive week that featured three high-stakes matches in just seven days.

After surrendering a half-time lead in Naples, Conte unleashed a scathing critique on those responsible for the demanding calendar. “I have energy, but we have to play in two and a half days,” he lamented. “It’s hard to understand who makes these schedules. I’d like to meet the genius behind them. We play on Sunday, then at 9pm, and again on Saturday at 6pm.”

He argued that football’s authorities are quick to voice concern over mounting injuries, but rarely address the root cause. “They talk about player welfare, but the reality is very different,” Conte said, highlighting the disconnect between official statements and the demands placed on teams.

Napoli’s Champions League Campaign Ended by Chelsea

Despite Napoli’s lengthy injury list, Conte’s squad made a brave start against Chelsea, with a backbone of former Premier League players including Scott McTominay, Rasmus Hojlund, and Romelu Lukaku. Even after Enzo Fernandez put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot, Napoli hit back, with young Antonio Vergara netting his first goal for the club and Hojlund firing the Italian champions into a 2-1 lead at halftime.

For a moment, it appeared Conte might gain the upper hand over his former club, but Chelsea staged a dramatic second-half comeback. Joao Pedro’s decisive brace turned the match, securing a 3-2 victory for the London outfit and propelling them into the last-16. Napoli’s dreams of European glory were dashed.

Conte Lauds Napoli’s Resilience Amid Adversity

Conte refused to lay blame at his players’ feet, instead highlighting their courage and work ethic. “Everyone is doing their best. Playing without 13 key players and holding our own against Chelsea in such a crucial European match is something to be proud of,” he insisted. The defeat was painful, but not for lack of effort.

The Copenhagen Draw: A Crucial Turning Point

While the defeat to Chelsea sealed Napoli’s fate, Conte identified last week’s 1-1 draw away to FC Copenhagen as the real missed opportunity. Napoli had a man advantage and a 1-0 lead against the Danish side, but failed to capitalize, conceding a penalty and ultimately drawing. “The biggest mistake was in Copenhagen,” Conte admitted. “We all agree. If we’d held on, qualification would have been secured and tonight’s result wouldn’t have mattered as much.”

Conte’s Champions League Struggles Continue

This latest exit continues Antonio Conte’s frustrating pattern in Europe’s top competition. Despite domestic success, he has reached the Champions League knockout stages only three times in seven attempts, with his best performance being a quarter-final run with Juventus over a decade ago. Napoli’s 30th-place finish in the new league phase is a sobering comedown for the reigning Serie A champions, who trail leaders Inter domestically by nine points after a recent setback against Juventus.

Conte Calls for Perspective and Luck at Napoli

Nevertheless, Conte remains resilient, praising the ongoing effort and preparation at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. “The level we showed, given our circumstances, proves our work is no accident. It must continue—perhaps with a bit more good fortune next time.”

Opinion: Fixture Congestion Threatens Player Welfare

Conte’s scathing remarks about fixture congestion are not without merit. With a relentless schedule stretching squads to the limit, it’s no surprise that injuries mount and performances suffer. For Napoli, a depleted roster and exhausting run of games proved insurmountable. Until football’s authorities prioritize player welfare over commercial interests, scenes like this will remain common. For more news and in-depth football analysis, visit for more news.