Key Takeaways:
- Vincenzo Italiano is currently the leading contender to succeed Antonio Conte as Napoli manager, following a series of meetings with club officials on Tuesday
- Maurizio Sarri, initially considered for the role, is now expected to join Atalanta to reunite with sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli
- Massimiliano Allegri remains in contention but faces concerns over his salary expectations and prior tenure at Milan
Italiano Gains Edge in Napoli Managerial Race
The managerial search at Napoli has taken a decisive turn, with Vincenzo Italiano now regarded as the leading candidate to fill the vacancy left by Antonio Conte at the end of the 2025-26 season. Conte, who guided the club to its fourth Scudetto only a year earlier, departed his post, prompting President Aurelio De Laurentiis to intensify efforts to secure a new head coach.
🚨 Napoli have decided: they want Vincenzo Italiano to replace Conte 🇮🇹
ADL is meeting with his agents to find an agreement and Italiano is ready to accept 👀
Allegri is currently not the first choice.
📰 Gazzetta pic.twitter.com/KaUXcoUpXe
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) May 26, 2026
Shifting Focus: From Sarri to New Front-Runners
Maurizio Sarri had been among the primary favourites to take on the Napoli job. However, developments indicate he is now set to join Atalanta, where he is anticipated to reunite with Cristiano Giuntoli, moving him out of contention for the Napoli post.
Subsequently, Napoli’s attention shifted to Vincenzo Italiano and Massimiliano Allegri. Tuesday brought a series of significant discussions between Napoli management teams and the representatives of the two coaching candidates. These meetings resulted in Italiano emerging as the front-runner for the coveted position.
Contractual Situations and Financial Considerations
Italiano is currently bound to Bologna, with one year left on his contract. It has been reported that he is expected to meet Bologna’s directors on Thursday to explore the possibility of an early termination, which would clear the path for negotiations with Napoli.
Meanwhile, Massimiliano Allegri remains interested in the Napoli post and, like Italiano, is said to be willing to accept a two-year deal with an option for a third season. Nevertheless, De Laurentiis holds reservations, particularly regarding Allegri’s difficult departure from Milan and his higher wage demands – with Allegri previously earning approximately €6 million per season at San Siro, compared to Italiano’s current earnings of around €3 million per year at Bologna.
Outlook for Napoli’s Managerial Appointment
With Italiano having taken the lead following recent negotiations, the upcoming meeting with Bologna could prove pivotal for his move to Napoli. While Allegri is still in the frame, Napoli’s board appears to be proceeding cautiously due to both financial considerations and the coach’s prior track record.
