There are reports it is Luciano Spalletti who will enter into a legal battle with Napoli over the terminated contract, while the coach could end up paying the €3m himself through his Italy wages.
It was announced this evening by the FIGC that Spalletti had been appointed the new CT, taking over from September 1 to replace Roberto Mancini.
This happened despite warnings from Napoli that they expected to be paid the €3m release clause that he signed in order to leave the club in June.
The confirmation of Spalletti’s appointment therefore raised the possibility of a legal battle between the club and FIGC, but the latest reports suggest a different approach is being taken.
Spalletti is effectively taking on the contract clause himself and is prepared to leave the FIGC out of the situation.
There is also the suggestion Spalletti could buy his freedom, because the salary promised to him by the Federation is €3m per season plus €1m in bonuses.
Those bonuses over three years would be used to pay off the release clause to Napoli.