Napoli president De Laurentiis rubbishes Conte speculation

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has rubbished speculation over Antonio Conte's future at the club.

Reports in Italy have suggested Conte, who is notorious for falling out with owners of clubs from his previous jobs, would be meeting with De Laurentiis this week to discuss his future.

Conte led Napoli to their second Serie A title in the space of three seasons last term.

Napoli, though, sit fourth in Serie A as it stands following a 2-0 defeat to Bologna last weekend, while they have struggled for form in the Champions League.

However, De Laurentiis has insisted there is no truth in the rumours that Conte wants to leave.

"I have read the latest fairy tale on the web about Conte resigning," De Laurentiis wrote in a statement shared on social media and Napoli's official website.

"I love social media because it is a rapid, modern way of sharing one's thoughts. However, you should know that not all thoughts are correct and not all thoughts should be shared.

"Conte and I have always had a special understanding which unites us men who use the three Cs that Neapolitans – and not only Neapolitans – are so fond of.

"What I can say to the fans who have read some nonsense is this: I am proud to have by my side – and by the side of Napoli and the players – a real man like Antonio Conte; a man who is capable of devoting every second of his life to his job, with exceptional diligence and dedication.

"That is the best guarantee you can give to a club, to footballers and to demanding fans such as Napoli's."

Even though Napoli only sit two points behind Serie A leaders Inter, their chances of retaining the title are just 10%, according to Opta's supercomputer.

Conte has been at pains to stress he is coping with a wave of injuries to key players, however, with Atalanta – who sacked Ivan Juric on Monday – up next in Serie A.