Napoli are set for a major managerial change despite recently securing their fourth Serie A title under Antonio Conte. The Italian tactician, who masterminded the club’s triumphant campaign, is expected to part ways with the Partenopei following their planned visit to the Vatican.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport, Conte and Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis will meet to formalise the coach’s departure after the title celebrations. The decision comes after what has been described as one of the most challenging and rewarding seasons of Conte’s career.
Former Juventus and Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Conte at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Napoli are keen to conclude negotiations swiftly in order to fend off potential interest from Inter, who may enter the fray after the Champions League final, and AC Milan.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club is prepared to offer Allegri a two-year deal worth €6 million per season. Talks between De Laurentiis and Allegri have intensified in recent days, reflecting the president’s desire to avoid being caught unprepared in the event of Conte’s departure.
Reflecting on Napoli’s title win, Conte said:
“It happened again, and it’s something wonderful. When we got to the stadium, it was honestly difficult to get in, as I don’t know how many people were there. I had a slight thought—if we let these people down, it’d be something we carried with us for a long time.”
“These lads were fantastic. It wasn’t easy, as the pressure on us was insane, but we faced the game in the best way. It has been an extraordinary campaign and the lads deserve the credit for wanting to challenge themselves again—especially those who won two years ago and then finished 10th last season.
“It was certainly the most unexpected, difficult, and stimulating challenge of my career. To come to Napoli after 10th place and try to get everything back on track, as it had all rather smashed up last season, and convincing some of the best players to remain because we could do something positive.”
Should Allegri take the reins, he will inherit a title-winning squad with high expectations—and the demanding task of sustaining Napoli’s newfound momentum at the top of Italian football.
