Antonio Conte is the expert at giving underrated, or outcast, Manchester United players the best working conditions. We saw it with Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan, then at Napoli last season. Last season was also Scott McTominay’s best season of his career, it took a Conte on the sidelines to give the Scot the opportunity to play out his extreme potential. This season, Rasmus Hojlund has received his boost after a few tragic seasons at Manchester United. Also for the Dane, it took a Conte. This weekend it became clear that Napoli will sign Højlund on a permanent transfer, but for the 23-year-old there will be unwanted changes already from next pre-season.
Because according to La Repubblica , Antonio Conte has decided to step down as Napoli coach. It is not uncommon for the Italian to retire early after success, and a return as Italian national team coach is potentially on the horizon.
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The 56-year-old, who led Napoli to the Serie A title last season, has one year left on his contract, but according to the Italian media, the decision on exit will be announced on Sunday’s final game against Udinese.
For Rasmus Højlund, this will be awkward. Antonio Conte has coached and facilitated the 23-year-old’s career back on the track of success. There is no guarantee that the next Napoli coach wants the Dane in the starting eleven. But that’s football.
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