Napoli President De Laurentiis reveals deadline for Conte talks

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Antonio Conte, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis says the next ten days will be ‘decisive’ in talks with Antonio Conte and insists he will make ‘all the necessary and objective assessments.’

Conte is expected to become the new Napoli coach in 2024-25 as all the significant sources in Italy claim the Italian tactician has practically agreed on an €8m-a-year contract.

His deal at the Stadio Maradona will allow the ex-midfielder to become the highest-paid coach in Serie A.

De Laurentiis spoke for the first time about Conte’s possible appointment on Monday afternoon while attending an event against racism in Trentola Ducenta.

Napoli President De Laurentiis reveals deadline for Conte talks

“The next ten days will be decisive after making all the necessary and objective assessments,” he said.

“It is not fanaticism that must prevail but the fairness of reasoning.”

According to Sky Sport Italia, Napoli have made concrete steps forward in negotiations with the ex-Juventus and Inter coach.

New director Giovanni Manna will continue talks with Conte in a new meeting that will take place between today and tomorrow, reports Sky.

Conte has been without a club since leaving Tottenham by mutual agreement in March 2023. The ex-Italy international has won the Serie A title four times as a coach, three times at Juventus and once at Inter.