Fiorentina Boss Italiano the Frontrunner to Replace Spalletti at Napoli

Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano has propelled his side into an impressive Serie A season despite losing star striker Dusan Vlahovic mid-season in the winter transfer window to rivals Juventus. The former Spezia coach’s exploits hasn’t gone unnoticed, with particular interest arriving from the south of Italy.

According to reports from La Repubblica, Napoli have shortlisted Italiano as Luciano Spalletti’s potential successor in the Partenopei dugout, given the club’s poor run of form in 2022 that has seen them virtually give up in what was a three-way Scudetto race before Empoli came calling over the weekend.

Spalletti is on the brink of losing his job despite having signed a two-year deal with an option for a third and fourth season. Italiano has reportedly already been contacted for taking over the role at Napoli, as has Shakhtar Donetsk manager Roberto De Zerbi, who returned to Italy following the suspension of the Ukrainian league due to Russia’s invasion.

Of the two suitors, concrete details have emerged regarding Italiano. A €10m release clause is included in the Fiorentina’s coach contract at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and moreover, it can reportedly only be activated during the first two weeks of June and must be paid in one lump sum without instalments.

If Napoli meet the asking price and trigger the clause, the Tuscans will have no option but to part ways with Italiano.