Fiorentina manager Vincenzo Italiano is currently leading the race to become the next Napoli manager once Luciano Spalletti departs.
Spalletti has already informed Napoli players that he is leaving, with Aurelio de Laurentiis also aware of the decision. While the likes of Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann and Gian Piero Gasperini have been linked with the job, Il Mattino today state that Italiano is leading the race to become the next Partenopei boss.
De Laurentiis’ decision will depend on the similarity in tactics and formations, as he wants to tie the 4-3-3 system to Napoli’s identity and Italiano is tied to the 4-3-3 shape as well. That is why he is top of the Napoli shortlist, with Italiano’s Fiorentina contract running out in the summer of 2024. Napoli have good relations with Fiorentina chief Rocco Commisso, who will regardless not be giving any discounts. Unless Commisso doesn’t agree to let Italiano leave, the negotiations to hire the manager won’t even begin.
The report goes onto state that while De Laurentiis prefers someone who uses a 4-3-3, surprises can’t be ruled out.
Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN
