Antonio Conte is set to leave Napoli at the end of the season, and club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has already begun the search for his successor. According to reports in Italy, eight Italian coaches are in the frame for the role, with De Laurentiis keen to appoint someone with a clear and defined style of play.
The main question appears to be whether to go for a younger, up and coming coach or a more experienced hand. Among the younger options, Raffaele Palladino, who is expected to leave Atalanta, and Fabio Grosso, who has had an impressive season with Sassuolo, are said to be well regarded. Vincenzo Italiano and Francesco Farioli have also been considered, though their stock appears to have dropped slightly in recent weeks.
Enzo Maresca was on the list but looks likely to be heading to Manchester City following Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave.
On the more experienced side, Maurizio Sarri is currently leading the race. The former Napoli boss is said to be very open to a return and remains on good terms with De Laurentiis. Roberto Mancini’s name has also been mentioned, though there are no reports of any formal contact at this stage. Massimiliano Allegri is another possibility, particularly if he parts ways with Milan, having already been approached by De Laurentiis last season as a potential replacement for Conte.
With next season marking Napoli’s centenary year, the club may feel that bringing in an experienced name carries less risk than handing the job to a first time manager at a big club.
