Antonio Conte drops "exit" hint as Napoli seal Champions League spot

Antonio Conte drops "exit" hint as Napoli seal Champions League spot

The result ensured Napoli will compete in Europe's top competition next season, but Conte kept his future deliberately unclear after the match.

"There is one more match to go," Conte said. "I have a friendly rapport with the President."

He reflected on the job he has done since arriving, pointing to the state of the club when he took over.

"I arrived at Napoli during a moment of extreme difficulty, after the team finished in 10th place with a sense of depression around the club," he explained.

"I promised that when my time here was finished, I would leave behind a solid and ambitious group, capable of fighting and always causing problems for its opponents."

Conte also underlined his competitive philosophy for Napoli going forward.

"Remember I always said, we might not be the strongest team, but we must become the toughest. Napoli must cause problems every year for Juventus, Milan and Inter."

When asked directly about his future, he added: "The President has known my thoughts for a month already."

On the pitch, Napoli delivered a controlled and professional performance to secure their Champions League place.

Scott McTominay opened the scoring after finishing a first-time assist from Rasmus Hojlund, before defender Amir Rrahmani made it 2-0 from a corner delivered by Eljif Elmas.

Napoli dominated much of the contest, with Pisa already relegated and struggling for form, having now lost eight straight matches at the top level.

Goalkeeper Alex Meret was briefly called into action before half-time, but Napoli remained firmly in control throughout.

McTominay came close to adding a third, but it was late substitute finishing that wrapped things up as Hojlund stretched to turn in a drilled cross from Pasquale Mazzocchi in stoppage time.

The win leaves Napoli three points clear of AC Milan and AS Roma heading into the final match, with second place still within reach.

For Pisa, it was another difficult afternoon in a season that has delivered just one win in 26 league games, as they prepare to finish the campaign away at Lazio.

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