Enzo Maresca Emerges as Leading Candidate for Napoli Managerial Role
Napoli have identified former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca as their preferred choice to succeed Antonio Conte, should the current manager depart this summer. According to reports from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, the Serie A champions are drawing up contingency plans amid uncertainty over Conte's future, with Maresca at the top of their shortlist.
The situation has developed following comments from Conte himself, who expressed interest in the vacant Italy national team job after Gennaro Gattuso's resignation. Conte stated that he would meet with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, but acknowledged the appeal of the Azzurri role. This has prompted Napoli's hierarchy to assess potential replacements, with the relationship between Conte and De Laurentiis historically described as tense.
Maresca has been without a club since his abrupt departure from Chelsea on 1 January. Despite his brief and challenging stint in the Premier League, his reputation remains high due to his philosophical alignment with Pep Guardiola, under whom he worked at Manchester City. He is widely considered a leading candidate to eventually replace Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, a factor that complicates Napoli's pursuit.
The 46-year-old Italian is reportedly fielding strong interest from his homeland, with Fiorentina also previously linked with an approach. However, the Napoli job represents a significant opportunity at a club that won the Scudetto just three seasons ago. Their current campaign has been disappointing, with the team seven points behind leaders Inter and having suffered an early Champions League exit, increasing the pressure for a reset.
Should Maresca opt to wait for a potential Manchester City offer, Napoli are evaluating other options. Names such as Atalanta's Raffaele Palladino and Bologna's Vincenzo Italiano are also under consideration, according to the reports. The club's planning indicates a belief that Conte's exit is a genuine possibility, especially with the allure of managing the national team.
For Maresca, the decision would hinge on his career trajectory and assurances about Guardiola's plans. A move to Napoli would offer a immediate high-profile project in Serie A, whereas holding out for Manchester City could mean a longer wait. For Napoli, appointing a coach with Maresca's attacking principles would signal a clear direction after the Conte era, aiming to recapture the thrilling football that delivered their recent title.
