Instead, Napoli assistant coach Cristian Stellini ran the drills with Conte absent for the session.
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.”
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