Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis knows a statement is needed after this season and is desperate to convince Antonio Conte to take on the job.
The 54-year-old Italian coach has been out of work since his fiery exit from Tottenham 12 months ago, taking a sabbatical to recover and spend time with his family in Turin. Despite stepping away from the limelight, the tactician has continued to make headlines.
Napoli have long been chasing Conte, turning to him following the sacking of Rudi Garcia before they eventually appointed Walter Mazzarri. The former Chelsea coach was hesitant to take over in the middle of the season, wanting a pre-season to implement his system.
Convincing Conte
Page 24 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport details how De Laurentiis is continuing to press Conte as he works to convince him of the Napoli job in the summer, promising him complete control in the transfer market and over €100m to spend following the sale of Victor Osimhen.
The Italian coach’s lofty salary also isn’t a problem for the Partenopei president, who is aware that significant investments are needed after the chaos of this season, wanting to return to the Champions League again.
Alternatives to Conte include Fiorentina’s Vincenzo Italiano, Nice’s Francesco Farioli and Monza’s Raffaele Palladino. Regardless, the former Italy and Juventus coach is Napoli’s first choice.