Napoli manager, Luciano Spalletti, will be taking a one-year sabbatical after leading the club to their first Serie A title in 33 years, according to the club’s president.
Spalletti, aged 64, took charge of Napoli in July 2021 and achieved a third-place finish in his debut season. Although he has one year remaining on his contract, President Aurelio De Laurentiis has expressed his respect for Spalletti’s decision.
During an interview with Italian broadcaster Rai, De Laurentiis stated, “He’s a free man, he’s given us something and I thank him. It’s right that he does what he wants.” The president acknowledges Spalletti’s contributions to the club and supports his desire to take some time off.
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Under Spalletti’s guidance, Napoli secured their first Italian top-flight title since 1990 on May 4th, with five matches to spare. They also reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League, impressively defeating teams like Liverpool, Ajax, and Rangers in the group stage.
Reports from Corriere dello Sport suggest that former Roma, Celta, and Barcelona manager Luis Enrique, who recently stepped down as the Spain national team coach following the 2022 World Cup, is the “ideal candidate” to succeed Spalletti at Napoli.
Napoli, who drew 2-2 against Bologna on Sunday, will play their final match of the season at home against Sampdoria next Sunday.