Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has been “looking around since October” for a Maurizio Sarri replacement, including “perfect colonel” Antonio Conte.
The patron gave a series of lengthy interviews to several different newspapers, including the Corriere della Sera.
“I already spoke to Sarri about the contract and he asked me to wait. If he decides to stay, then I am happy, otherwise I’ll take that into account and will ensure the clause is paid.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has been “looking around since October” for a Maurizio Sarri replacement, including “perfect colonel” Antonio Conte.
The patron gave a series of lengthy interviews to several different newspapers, including the Corriere della Sera.
“I already spoke to Sarri about the contract and he asked me to wait. If he decides to stay, then I am happy, otherwise I’ll take that into account and will ensure the clause is paid.
“We’ve been looking around since October, both in Italy and in Europe. We saw people in Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Russia and even Italy. If we wanted to continue the same system, Marco Giampaolo would be suitable.
“Simone Inzaghi, Giampaolo and Leonardo Semplici are all interesting options, it’s about making the right choice.
“Antonio Conte would be a perfect colonel to ensure the rules are respected. He is a friend and lets nobody take a breather. We are not afraid of going forward, with or without Sarri.”
Conte is widely expected to leave Chelsea at the end of the season and could well be replaced by Sarri.
Giampaolo already acted as heir to Sarri at Empoli and is currently battling for Europa League contention at Sampdoria.
Lazio boss Inzaghi should remain at the Olimpico, although he has also been linked with Juventus, while Semplici is on the verge of keeping SPAL in Serie A after their shock promotion.
De Laurentiis was also asked if Napoli might lose important players over the summer.
“If it happens, we are ready to sign others, just as we have done in the past. We’re in talks for a striker that has already scored 20 goals in another league.
“In terms of goalkeepers, we’re looking at either Rui Patricio or Bernd Leno.”