Instead, Napoli assistant coach Cristian Stellini ran the drills with Conte absent for the session.
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The Italian's absence came just days after he blasted the players and management after their surprise defeat to Bologna, which saw Napoli surrender the Serie A leadership to Inter Milan.
Aware of the speculation, Napoli released a statement yesterday, insisting the decision had been made some time ago.
The club said: “Mister Antonio Conte, as already planned and agreed for some time with the club, will return to SSC Napoli Training Center on Monday November 17.”