Antonio Conte experiences an unprecedented nightmare in the Champions League

Coach Antonio Conte and Napoli just endured a nightmare evening in the Champions League, suffering a heavy 2-6 defeat against PSV Eindhoven, a result that caused both the team and the Italian coach to enter history in an unwanted way.

According to Opta statistics, this is the first time in history that Napoli has conceded 6 goals in a single European competition match. Moreover, this is also the first occasion a team managed by Antonio Conte has conceded 6 goals in an official match, something that has never happened in nearly two decades of his coaching career.

Previously, the last time Napoli conceded that many goals was over 25 years ago, when they lost 3-6 to Sampdoria in Serie A in 1997. However, this defeat is even more bitter as it occurred on Europe’s most prestigious stage, where Conte has yet to establish himself.

Despite being one of Italy’s most successful coaches, Antonio Conte has always been considered "unlucky" in the Champions League. Up to now, he has only achieved 16 wins, 14 draws, and 15 losses after 45 matches coaching teams in this competition, averaging 1.38 points per game, a modest figure compared to his achievements in Serie A.

Conte’s best performance in the Champions League was reaching the quarter-finals in the 2012/13 season with Juventus, during his first season in the competition. Since then, bad luck has followed him: Juventus (2013/14): eliminated in the group stage. Chelsea (2017/18): knocked out in the round of 16. Inter Milan (2020/21): again eliminated at the group stage. Tottenham (2022/23): another exit in the round of 16.

The 2-6 loss to PSV Eindhoven is regarded as one of the worst results in Conte’s career. Napoli was ruthlessly dismantled by the Dutch side despite having a quality squad and high expectations to make a mark in this Champions League season.

Not only did they lose heavily, but Napoli also revealed serious defensive and morale issues. Individual mistakes kept occurring, while the attack appeared stuck and disconnected. The collapse in their playing style left Conte almost powerless on the sidelines, merely watching his team fall apart.

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