Napoli faced a challenging 2023-24 season, finishing in 10th place and experiencing three managerial changes after coach Luciano Spalletti departed the club. Spalletti had guided them to their first Scudetto title in 33 years during the 2022-23 season.

Conte, who secured three Serie A titles while managing Juventus and one with Inter Milan alongside a Premier League trophy with Chelsea, took on the task of revitalizing Napoli in June of last year and swiftly led them to the Scudetto in the recently finished season.

"In essence, those who wear the Scudetto on their jersey are considered favorites or among the favorites. We must not retreat or hide out of fear," Conte informed reporters on Friday.

"We have put in significant effort to adapt ourselves. It is unavoidable that this year will be quite demanding.

"However, there is a very recent past that we must always remember. We need to learn lessons even from negative experiences. What transpired two years ago should serve as a lesson, particularly for the environment. We are on the pitch and we work; there will never be any unrealistic expectations. We will remain very humble."

Napoli has bolstered their title-winning squad with the signing of Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, Dutch winger Noa Lang and Italian center-back Luca Marianucci, among others.

De Bruyne, viewed as one of the finest midfielders in Premier League history, has lifted 19 trophies at Manchester City since his transfer from the German club VfL Wolfsburg in 2015 - a collection that includes six Premier League titles and one Champions League title.

Conte is hopeful that the 34-year-old can assist Napoli in taking that additional step.

"He joins us to embrace a new challenge; it is a different scenario for him as well: he has already achieved very high levels in his career and has much more to offer to football," Conte added.

Napoli will kick off their pre-season with a friendly match against Arezzo on Tuesday.