Napoli ‘to make’ Maurizio Sarri first choice if Antonio Conte departs | OneFootball

Napoli are considering Maurizio Sarri as their first-choice candidate if Antonio Conte departs at the end of the season, with Gianluca Di Marzio, speaking on his Caffè Di Marzio podcast, and Alfredo Pedullà both indicating the club would turn to the Lazio coach. Di Marzio added that president Aurelio De Laurentiis wants to keep sporting director Giovanni Manna and would like a refreshed Napoli to reflect Sarri’s brand of football.

Sarri has two years left on his Lazio deal, though his future remains uncertain after a turbulent campaign. He has publicly clashed with president Claudio Lotito and sided with supporters protesting against the increasingly unpopular owner.

Sarri and Lotito are expected to hold decisive talks in the coming weeks, potentially after the Coppa Italia final and the Derby della Capitale, which could settle the manager’s plans. Several Italian clubs are said to be interested in the 67-year-old, with Napoli chief among them.

Napoli also face uncertainty over Conte’s tenure beyond the summer, amid strong links to the vacant Italy job. That context leaves open the possibility of change in the dugout.

Any outcome is likely to hinge on those talks and on how Conte’s situation develops, so timelines remain fluid.

Source: The Laziali