Vergara 'surprised' by Conte's Napoli exit, 'can't wait' to face Arsenal
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A player named Vergara expressed surprise at Antonio Conte's departure from Napoli and excitement about facing Arsenal in an upcoming fixture.
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Attributed to original sourceNapoli talent Antonio Vergara admits he was ‘surprised’ by Antonio Conte’s exit and sees ‘zero difference’ with defending champions Inter: ‘Only the table matters.’
Napoli and Italy talent Vergara gave an interview to Il Mattino on the eve of a Serie A match against Como at the Stadio Maradona.
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Antonio Vergara of Napoli (left) celebrates with his team-mate Leonardo Spinazzola after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) It will mark Allegri’s home debut with the Partenopei after the team secured an away 2-0 win over Genoa in the opening match of the season last week, in which Vergara scored and assisted as a substitute.
“Allegri tries to create a personal, direct bond with each of us. He laughs and makes jokes. It’s something I really appreciate,” Vergara said.
Allegri replaced Conte after a two-year spell in which his predecessor won a Scudetto and one Supercoppa Italiana.
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of Napoli before the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) “Conte was maniacal about wins. A unique mentality,” Vergara said.
“Even the day after a 4-0 win, he’d still be angry because he was already thinking about how to win the next one. Considering his mood with Napoli, his departure surprised me.”
Questioned about the difference between Inter and Napoli, Vergara replied: “For now, I think the difference is zero. We both have three points, and only the table matters.”
PISA, ITALY – MAY 17: Antonio Conte manager of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and SSC Napoli at Arena Garibaldi on May 17, 2026 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Napoli players are not even talking about potentially winning the Scudetto this season: “No, out of scaramancy,” Vergara revealed.
“We must work without thinking about it. At least seven or eight teams can win the Scudetto.”
Arsenal will face Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City in the Champions League, making their debut in the 2026-27 league phase against the Gunners at the Stadio Maradona.
“Spectacular games. We can’t wait to experience the fantastic atmosphere of Champions League nights. We want to do well in Europe.”
Lastly, Vergara named the favourite to win the Cup with the Big Ears: “I’ll say Barcelona; they are the best in the world,” he concluded.
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What happened
Following Antonio Conte's unexpected exit from Napoli, a figure named Vergara publicly shared surprise at the managerial departure and anticipation for an upcoming match against Arsenal. The comments come amid pre-season or early-season preparations, with Vergara framing the Arsenal fixture as a major test. Conte's exit from Napoli represents one of the most significant managerial changes in Italian football, leaving questions about the club's direction heading into the new campaign.
Chance analysis
Antonio Conte's departure from Napoli sent shockwaves through Italian football, and the reaction from opposing figures underscores just how unexpected the move was. The shift leaves Napoli in transition at a critical point in their calendar, while their upcoming opponents — including Arsenal — suddenly face a different tactical and motivational landscape. For Arsenal, preparation will need to account for a Napoli side adjusting to new leadership rather than a settled Conte system.
Napoli's competitive readiness is disrupted by Conte's departure, while Arsenal's preparation must adapt to facing a transitional opponent.