Leonardo Semplici is reportedly close to becoming the next coach of Salernitana, claim Sportitalia, as talks with Roberto D’Aversa hit problems.
The club needs a new tactician after sacking Davide Nicola, who could not retain his place following Sunday’s humiliating and historic 8-2 defeat to Atalanta.
D’Aversa had quickly emerged as the favourite and negotiations have been continuing, but he is still under contract with Sampdoria until the end of the season.
He was also struggling to agree personal terms with Salernitana, as Sky Sport Italia claim the club wanted a clause allowing them to terminate the 18-month contract early even if he managed to secure Serie A safety.
According to Sportitalia, that opened the door for talks with Semplici and these are moving far more smoothly.
The 55-year-old has not worked since he was fired by Cagliari in September 2021, but he made his mark helping SPAL climb the divisions from 2014 to February 2020.
Rafa Benitez had also been approached and showed no interest, while Eusebio Di Francesco is another potential candidate.