New Napoli coach Antonio Conte has earmarked outgoing Roma wingback Leonardo Spinazzola as a must-have signing this summer. Gianluca Di Marzio claims the Italian tactician has convinced the Partenopei to pursue the Italian’s signature, with talks scheduled for next week.
Spinazzola will leave Roma as a free agent once his contract runs down at the end of the month, with Napoli keen to offer him a lifeline in Serie A. Despite suffering recurring injury woes last season, the 31-year-old still ranks high on Conte’s list of priorities.
Conte tried to lure him to Inter in the build-up to the 2020/21 Scudetto-winning campaign. After his effort came a cropper, he made a new attempt during his turbulent tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, yet Roma refused to sell. His long-term wish could come to fruition at Napoli.
The ex-Juventus boss will change the structure at Napoli after inheriting a faltering squad from Francesco Calzona. One of the first alterations relates to a set-up transformation, with Conte set to instill a 3-4-3 formation. He sees Spinazzola as a valuable addition to his tactics.
Spinazzola was one of Europe’s most sought-after wingbacks only three summers ago. He soaked up the limelight as Italy’s standout performer at the triumphant 2020 Euro campaign before picking up an injury. Things have since gone south for the former Juventus man.
But Napoli could offer him a fresh start. Not many teams have taken an interest in the injury-prone Italian. Therefore, Conte should have a clear path to his old target.
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