There is a battle of ‘principle’ between Napoli and the Italian Football Federation that could prevent Luciano Spalletti from becoming the new Italy coach.
Roberto Mancini tended his resignation over the weekend and left the Azzurri without a tactician going into the EURO 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Ukraine in early September.
Spalletti is the first choice to take over, but Napoli are refusing to release him from his contract without the agreed €3m penalty, despite the fact he is no longer working for the club.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis wrote a long statement explaining it was not for the €3m, but a matter of “principle” that he would not turn a blind eye.
At the same time, the FIGC could absolutely afford a €3m penalty to bring in Spalletti, as La Gazzetta dello Sport notes the Federation is running at a comfortable profit.
However, here too it is a matter of ‘principle’ that the national team should not have to pay a release clause for a coach.
It does lead to an impasse and one that could see the FIGC opt for Antonio Conte’s return instead.
Everything about Italy and it’s old set of power at the helms of affairs is also a comedy story.
get on with it get conti he has a english aproach to the game he is physically demanding may be balotelli give him achanc e we must qualify at least for europe thing dont look good
Honestly, ADL. There may be some element of “principle”, but, don’t try deny the €3M money side of it isn’t a plus for you. Work it out -or-please let it slide for the benefit of the national side…
Conte is the only coach in Italian history lost to Germany in a tournament. Do not forget that. Other than that he achieved nothing with rigid mindset unlike the greats like Lippi, Sacchi, Capello.
ADL Napoli; ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country. President & Owner of Napoli pure example of how Serie A club owner’s & presidents have same characteristics of selfishness and foolishness! Spalletti is the perfect coach for Italy 🇮🇹
De Laurentiis will be the villain if he doesn’t concede. And a hero if he does. So he should concede. The Conte option is not a bad one though if De Laurentiis continues to be stubborn.