Antonio Conte has announced that he will be highlighting all the teams that have won ‘zero titles’ in his forthcoming press conferences, which many interpret as a jab at José Mourinho following Napoli’s exit from the Coppa Italia.
On Tuesday night, Napoli faced elimination in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, losing to Como 7-6 in a penalty shootout.
Advertisement
Although Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions, secured the Supercoppa in 2025-26, they are now out of both the Coppa Italia and Champions League and currently sit third in the league, trailing Inter by nine points.
After Napoli’s recent defeat, Conte expressed pride in his achievements over the last 18 months, making indirect references to Mourinho.
Conte’s Reference to Mourinho Following Napoli’s Coppa Italia Exit
LISBON, PORTUGAL – DECEMBER 10: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli (L), and Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica (R), shake hands prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between SL Benfica and SSC Napoli on December 10, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Advertisement
During his tenure at Inter, Mourinho famously mocked rivals by listing teams he believed would fail to win titles that season.
“There are many positives. It’s true we’ve been eliminated from the Coppa Italia and Champions League. Now, Serie A is our focus, and we need to give our best,” Conte stated in a press conference after the match (via TuttoNapoli).
“I am grateful to the fans who appreciate and understand the efforts this team is making together. In two years, we’ve secured a Scudetto and a Supercoppa, achievements that should not be overlooked.”
At this point, Conte made a gesture, holding up a zero with one hand and a two with the other.
NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli head coach, gestures prior to the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026, in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Advertisement
“So, moving forward, I’ll start future press conferences in this manner and then proceed to list the teams that, as one coach once stated, have zero titles, got it?” he concluded.
Many key players for Napoli have been sidelined for months, limiting Conte’s options for squad rotation.
At full time, the Italian coach expressed frustration over referee decisions and remarked that the multitude of injuries has hindered his team’s ability to compete for the title.