The relationship between Napoli’s head coach, Luciano Spalletti, and Aurelio De Laurentiis, the club’s president, has reached a breaking point, resulting in increased tension and a lack of communication between the two parties.
Reports suggest that Spalletti’s future at Napoli, despite winning the Scudetto, is uncertain due to the deteriorating relationship.
According to Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera, the breakdown in communication between De Laurentiis and Spalletti has led to an uncertain future for the coach.
It is worth noting that Napoli had previously triggered an option for an automatic contract extension, providing Spalletti with one more year on his current contract.
However, the 64-year-old coach was reportedly surprised to learn about the extension through a PEC notification instead of direct communication from the club authorities.
In the event that Spalletti departs, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Rafael Benitez is a potential candidate for the coaching position.
This would mark Benitez’s second stint in Campania, following his previous two-year tenure from 2013 to 2015.
Tuttosport indicates that Antonio Conte is also a leading contender for the role, with other names like Gian Piero Gasperini from Atalanta and Vincenzo Italiano from Fiorentina also being mentioned.
Looking ahead, Napoli has three remaining league games, and Spalletti will aim to guide his historic side to reach the milestone of 90 points.