Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis made a pointed statement after the 3-1 victory over Atalanta, aimed at both Antonio Conte and the squad.
The Partenopei ran riot at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this evening with a brace from David Neres and Noa Lang’s first goal for the club all before half-time.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGianluca Scamacca got one back for Atalanta after the restart, but it was not enough to prevent their success.
De Laurentiis was in the stands, along with ex-Napoli stars Lorenzo Insigne and Antonio Careca, and he took to social media after the final whistle.
The wording of his message on X, formerly known as Twitter, raised a few eyebrows.
De Laurentiis makes his point on Napoli
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Atalanta BC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 22, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Bravo Antonio Conte, who has taken the team back in time. Well done to the players who followed his instructions.”
Bravo Antonio Conte che si è ripreso in mano la squadra. Bravi i calciatori che hanno eseguito le sue istruzioni. — AurelioDeLaurentiis (@ADeLaurentiis) November 22, 2025
The word the Napoli patron used here was not a coincidence, as it very clearly notes that Conte has taken the team back in hand, suggesting he had previously lost control of them.
The second part of the message was also particularly pointed, as the coach had complained after the 2-0 defeat to Bologna that some in the squad “weren’t listening” to him.
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Noa Lang of SSC Napoli celebrates with teammate Sam Beukema after scoring his side’s third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Atalanta BC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 22, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith regards to this, Lang also made a comment to Sky Sport Italia straight after the final whistle that hinted at some tension behind the scenes.
“Honestly, it was a difficult period. I came here with big expectations, I needed to be patient and to work hard. I didn’t always agree with it honestly, but I follow God’s plan.
“From now on, I only want to look forward. The best is yet to come, this is just the beginning.”
This was the Dutchman’s first goal, but also only his second start in the Napoli jersey.
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