Napoli and Cristiano Giuntoli have parted ways after months of negotiations between Aurelio De Laurentiis and the Tuscan director who has reportedly given up to almost €2m at the Stadio Maradona.
Giuntoli, one of the architects of Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years, officially left the Partenopei on Friday, as confirmed by the Italy champions.
He is now free to join Juventus and according to Italian sports papers, the Bianconeri will confirm his appointment next week.
Giuntoli spent eight seasons at Napoli and had one year left in his contract with the Azzurri. So, why did ADL let him go?
According to Saturday’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (page 2), Giuntoli gave up almost €2m, including the last months of his Napoli contract and Scudetto bonuses.
Juventus refused to negotiate compensation for the Partenopei and according to Il Corriere dello Sport (page 2), Giuntoli personally discussed his contract termination with ADL. However, according to the Rome-based paper, Giuntoli didn’t give up €2m, but circa €900,000.
The 51-year-old thought his time at Napoli was over and he wanted a new challenge. He started negotiations with De Laurentiis in April when it was clear the Partenopei would have won the title.
He has now joined his family in Tuscany and will arrive in Turin on Monday or Tuesday, starting a new chapter of his career in black and white.