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Article continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script>Article continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Napoli lose 3-0 to Verona in Serie A opener</li><li>Conte discusses loss and issues an apology</li><li>Italian has signed three-year deal</li></ul>

'Melted like snow in the sun' - Antonio Conte apologises to fans after opening Napoli reign with 'unacceptable' 3-0 Serie A loss to Verona

Serie A

Verona

Inter

SSC Napoli

Roma

Conte was brought in by Napoli this summer following their disastrous Serie A title defence last season that ended with a 10th place finish. The former Chelsea manager signed a three-year contract at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium to return to the game over a year after his last role at Tottenham. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/reinforcements-antonio-conte-explains-why-players-dont-want-join-napoli-sign-romelu-lukaku/blt8391239d4f4121ea" target="_blank">The club has been struggling with departures and arrivals demanded by the coach</a> so far, though, and his disjointed team failed to impress in their 3-0 season-opening loss on Sunday.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Napoli started strong in the first half of the game against Verona, however, after losing star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to injury, Gli Azzurri faded as Dailon Livramento gave the home side the lead before a brace from Daniel Mosquera ended the visitors' hopes of rescuing the game.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speaking to Sky Italia, Conte said: "In the first half, there was only one team in it. I don’t think Verona had a shot. Having said that, we immediately let Verona have a shot at the start of the second half, and in the second instance, we went behind."Then we melted like snow in the sun. What I feel like saying is that we should apologise to the Neapolitan supporters, who follow us with such passion."I am the coach and it is right that I take full responsibility. I humbly apologise because the second half was unacceptable. A performance that shows we need to work hard in every aspect. I came to Napoli with lots of enthusiasm, with great desire. If I can help Napoli, I will."

WHAT CONTE SAID

Gli Azzurri will now prepare to take on a new-look Bologna side on Sunday, August 25 as Conte and company will keep working off the field to improve the team before the end of the transfer window.

WHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

'Melted like snow in the sun' - Antonio Conte apologises to fans after opening Napoli reign with 'unacceptable' 3-0 Serie A loss to Verona | Goal.com US

Antonio Conte began his reign at Napoli with a disappointing 3-0 loss against Hellas Verona in Serie A, after which he apologised to the fans.

&apos;Melted like snow in the sun&apos; - Antonio Conte apologises to fans after opening Napoli reign with &apos;unacceptable&apos; 3-0 Serie A loss to Verona