Napoli's season has come to an end: the next match against Udinese in the championship is a pure formality, considering they have already achieved Champions League qualification. The Maradona lawn on Sunday afternoon should be transformed into a farewell catwalk, allowing the public present to say their final farewell to Antonio Conte. The Neapolitan coach seems destined to leave the Campania capital after two years.
L’avventura di Conte termina qui ?
There had been some signs in the previous months, but the latest statements released last Sunday after the match against Pisa confirmed the rumors:
“De Laurentiis knows how I think, no matter what happens I will always be grateful”
The modalities of the separation need to be understood, even if the possibility of consensual termination of the contract is very popular, as the Salento coach is linked to the club until June 2027.
Despite all the difficulties encountered, the 56-year-old left his mark by enriching his trophy cabinet with a Scudetto and an Italian Super Cup. However, I regret Antonio's disappointing Champions League campaign, which has always been taboo and ended with his elimination in the League Phase.
Sarri il prescelto
The Azzurri are therefore thinking about their successor, so much so that they have identified objectives, from the most concrete to suggestions. In the notebook of owner De Laurentiis, there would be Maurizio Sarri, Vincenzo Italiano and Massimiliano Allegri.
In this special ranking, the number one candidate is Sarri, with whom the management would have had contacts: for the coach born in '59 it would be a return, having already been on the Campania bench from 2015 to 2018. Three years ended without trophies, so another call could convince him to leave Lazio by trying to write a different story, especially in the face of a convincing proposal. On the plate, the Neapolitans have offered a three-year contract worth around 2.5 million euros per year and greater guarantees in the signing campaign.
Le alternative
Like other options, the Italian from Bologna is eager for the big leap and in any case fresh from an important journey in the Europa League which ended in the quarterfinals ahead of Aston Villa. In Serie A, the Emilians played a cruel trick by beating Napoli 2-0 in the first leg and 3-2 in the second leg, thanks to a spectacular goal by Rowe.
Then watch out for Max Allegri linked to Milan, but still without corporate and market certainties from the Devil. Before deciding on his future, the former Juve player is working to achieve Champions League qualification: an objective which, if achieved, would extend his contract with the Rossoneri until 2028 and consequent economic adjustment.
Conte e la regola dei due anni
Conte's departure would seem like déjà vu. During his glorious career, the Apulian coach has often implemented the two-year policy, saying goodbye to his respective teams at the end of this deadline. Worth remembering is the Inter adventure (2019-2021) which culminated with the tricolour, or the English experiences at Chelsea (2016-2018) and Tottenham (2021-2023). Mantra of two also in the national team, leading the Azzurri from 2014 to 2016: the CT doors would be ready to reopen, but the FIGC presidential elections on 22 June will be decisive.
Meanwhile, the fans are waiting to know who the future coach will be and dream of becoming competitive again for 2026/2027.