Antonio Conte recalls scoring his first Serie A goal at the Stadio Maradona while marking the Argentinean legend and sends a two-word message to the club and their fans: ‘Amma faticà.’
Napoli appointed Conte as their new head coach earlier this week. The Italian tactician signed a three-year contract returning to the dugout for the first time after leaving Tottenham in March 2023.
“When I hear Napoli, a lot of things come to mind,” Conte said in the latest interview with Napoli, published by the club’s official Instagram account.
“One of the most beautiful cities and definitely the Napeolitan people who have so much passion. I know it will be a great experience, in terms of football and life experience. I’m very excited to get started.
“When you have the opportunity to do this job, as a player or as a coach I think experiencing being at Napoli is unlike anything else.”
The Stadio Maradona, previously called Stadio San Paolo, brings special memories to the 54-year-old.
“I have a very fond memory of the Stadio Maradona,” he said.
“Napoli v Lecce, where I had the privilege of marking Maradona. We lost 3-2 in the end because Carnevale scored but my best memory is of my first goal in Serie A, at the Maradona while marking Maradona. That was a great satisfaction for me.”
When asked to send a message to the Napoli fans, Conte used a very popular Neapolitan expression which.
“There’s only one thing to say to the fans,” he said.
“Not just to the fans, to everyone at Napoli and it’s ‘Amma faticà'” which means: ‘We’ve got work to do’ and perfectly sums up the coach’s attitude and mentality.