Conte believes in return of Serie A ‘Big 3’ and comments on battle with Allegri

Antonio Conte says he believes that the 2025-26 Serie A season will bring the return of the division’s ‘big three’ – Juventus , Inter and Milan – but claims that Rossoneri head coach Massimiliano Allegri is far from being his only concern this coming season.

The Partenopei head coach spoke to Sky Sport Italia three days on from his side’s 2-0 victory over newly-promoted Sassuolo in the opening round of 2025-26 fixtures.

“We had a good pre-season. All teams need a little time to get going at the start, we know that, but we worked well in our training camp,” Conte said of his side’s preparations and their start to the season.

SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli , shouts instructions during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Conte was also asked for his table predictions, claiming that he sees Inter, Milan and Juventus as his biggest competitors for the Scudetto this term.

“This will be a very balanced season. I see the return of the big three, although for Inter it is not a return. They did very well last year and have always been in and around it for the last three years, and have always had good seasons.

“There is definitely a return of the other two big names, who have great squads that are equipped to do well. We will have to try our best and we will draw our conclusions at the end.”

Conte was also asked about his rivalry with former Juventus head coach Allegri, and how he sees their battles going down this coming season.

MILAN, ITALY – AUGUST 23: AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Milan , Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

He replied: “It won’t be a singular challenge. There are twenty teams and we’re all challenging each other. It’s everyone against everyone.

“I think it will be a very exciting and balanced season, everyone will have to do their part. Allegri will try to do his best for Milan and I will do the same for Napoli .”

Conte was also asked for his thoughts on the environment surrounding Napoli , and what it means to represent such a passionate city.

“Naples lives for football, there’s a lot of passion. We know that Napoli’s results also shift the mood of the people of Naples. We have to be good at dealing with that, both in the positive and negative moments.

“As I always say, we can’t have anything to complain about at the end of the game. The fan sees and understands this. We always have to give everything, even if sometimes it’s not enough to win.”