Luciano Spalletti is expected to leave Napoli at the end of the season following tensions with President Aurelio De Laurentiis, but the Serie A-title-winning coach won’t join a new club in 2023-24.
The Tuscan tactician practically confirmed his exit on Sunday, following a 3-1 win over Inter at the Stadio Maradona.
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Spalletti is exhausted after two seasons in Naples. He has a solid bond with the players and fans, but not so much with President De Laurentiis.
According to the report, ADL wanted to sack Spalletti last season after a defeat against Empoli which put Napoli’s Champions League qualification in doubt. De Laurentiis had even spoken to potential successors, but Spalletti managed to earn a top-four finish and was confirmed for 2022-23.
Tensions have continued this season. A few weeks ago, Napoli activated an option to extend the Tuscan tactician’s contract until 2024, informing the 64-year-old with a PEC. However, Spalletti wasn’t happy with the way Napoli confirmed his extension, as if he was any employee and not one of the men who contributed to the club’s first title in 33 years.
Napoli have several options lined up to replace the Certaldo-born coach, including Antonio Conte and Luis Enrique, while Spalletti is not expected to join another club in 2023-24 and will likely take a sabbatical.