Massimiliano Allegri is set to become the new manager of Napoli, with an official announcement expected imminently according to reports in Italy. The agreement between Allegri and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis was initially reached several weeks ago, following Antonio Conte’s departure from the club on May 25th. The deal has now been finalized after negotiations regarding a contract extension.
Allegri’s contract with Napoli will be for three years, earning him a net salary of €5 million per season, an increase from the initial offer of €4.5 million for a two-year deal with an option for a third. This increase was reportedly necessary to resolve a dispute with his former club, Milan, who ultimately did not offer a severance package after his dismissal. De Laurentiis is hoping Allegri can replicate the success he had at Juventus.
Allegri’s previous managerial role was with Milan, where he was dismissed after a disappointing season. Prior to that, he enjoyed a highly successful spell at Juventus, winning five Serie A titles, reaching two Champions League finals, and claiming four Coppa Italia and three Supercoppa Italiana trophies. De Laurentiis is hoping Allegri can bring that winning mentality to Napoli and elevate the club’s performance, particularly in European competitions.
Napoli’s president is particularly keen for Allegri to improve the club’s Champions League record. Allegri boasts 100 Champions League matches managed, while Napoli have only played 74 in their history. The new manager will work closely with sporting director Manna, with whom he previously collaborated at Juventus. The club’s transfer strategy will shift from the fast-paced approach of the previous regime to a more measured approach, focusing on squad refinement rather than wholesale changes. Napoli currently have 47 players under contract and aim to reduce this number, alongside lowering the overall wage bill and the average age of the squad. Players like Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku, among others, may be subject to potential departures.
