After weeks of speculation, Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to replace Antonio Conte in Naples, overtaking Vincenzo Italiano in the race for one of Serie A’s hottest benches.
The coaching carousel in Italy may be about to deliver another major twist. With Antonio Conte expected to part ways with SSC Napoli, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis appears ready to hand the project to Massimiliano Allegri.
According to reports from Italy, Allegri has now moved ahead of Vincenzo Italiano despite strong consideration from the Napoli hierarchy. Italiano, fresh off his departure from Bologna FC 1909, had recently held positive talks with the club, but momentum has shifted significantly toward the former Milan and Juventus coach.
For De Laurentiis, Allegri represents more than just a fallback option. The Napoli president has admired the Livorno-born manager for years, dating back to 2019, and now finally has a realistic opportunity to bring him to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Allegri’s sudden availability came after his dramatic dismissal from AC Milan. The decision surprised many across Italian football because ownership had recently shown renewed confidence in the veteran coach. However, Milan’s disastrous end to the Serie A season reportedly forced the club into a complete rethink, ultimately leading to his exit.
Napoli acted quickly once Allegri hit the market. De Laurentiis was also aware that the 58-year-old could potentially enter the conversation for the Italian national team job in the near future, making timing crucial.
Another key factor pushing the deal forward is the presence of sporting director Giovanni Manna. Manna previously worked closely with Allegri during their time together at Juventus FC, and sources in Italy suggest he has strongly backed the coach internally throughout the process.
At this stage, the deal is considered very close, although some contractual details with Milan still need to be resolved. Allegri reportedly remains under contract for another season, meaning negotiations regarding his exit package are still ongoing.
If finalized, Napoli would hand the keys of its next era to one of Italy’s most decorated managers — and perhaps signal an immediate ambition to remain at the top of both Serie A and European football.
