Napoli have just appointed Walter Mazzarri to succeed Rudi Garcia, but they are already thinking about the future of their bench since the returning coach accepted a seven-month contract. President Aurelio De Laurentiis wishes to open a new cycle with an up-and-comer, Matteo Moretto reports (via SOSFanta).
Vincenzo Italiano tops the Azzurri’s wish list. That was the case last summer, but he preferred not to jump ship. The patron holds him in high regard for his playing style and personality. He considers him an ideal heir to Luciano Spalletti. The Azzurri boss has often backed him as well.
Napoli are also intrigued by Franceso Farioli considering how great Nice are doing this season. He doesn’t have Serie A experience as a head coach, but he assisted Roberto De Zerbi at Benevento and Sassuolo before branching out solo in Turkey. However, the Partenopei might not consider him seasoned enough.
De Laurentiis is on good terms with Antonio Conte and offered him the job twice unsuccessfully. The former Juventus and Tottenham coach didn’t want to take over midseason. Despite the mutual esteem, he’s more likely to end up in other places, the transfer market expert relays.
Our Take on the Napoli Bench
Those are sound ideas, but Mazzarri has a shot at prolonging his stay if he achieves their goals, primarily qualifying for the Champions League, especially considering that not many gaffers like to work for such a cumbersome and mercurial president.
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