Darwin Nunez, Gennaro Gattuso, and Kevin De Bruyne (Photo by Alex Livesey, Stuart Franklin, Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Latest on crazy Italy manager job saga
With the absurd affair of ex-Italy coach Luciano Spalletti now behind us, we can finally look ahead. Italy embarrassed themselves on the field against Norway, but even more so in terms of public image, due to the blunders of FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
In a matter of hours, he first defended the head coach and then sent him alone to a press conference to announce he had been relieved of his duties. What followed were two absurdities: despite the dismissal, Spalletti led the Azzurri against Moldova and, even worse, fired the coach without having a replacement ready.
He managed to collect a string of rejections, treating the FIGC as if it were a third-rate organisation.
Claudio Ranieri, after initially being open to the role, declined the offer after a night of thought, not due to any obstruction from the Friedkin family. Coaching the national team would have been the crowning achievement of a brilliant career, but the uncertainties outweigh the prestige. Besides, managing two high-level roles simultaneously, with the attention that Roma deserve, would have been nearly impossible.
Now we turn the page with Gattuso, after several phone conversations with Gianluigi Buffon (Italy’s Delegation Chief) in recent days. A meeting with FIGC President Gravina is scheduled for today to finalise the remaining details and prepare for the national team’s new era. The Azzurri must rally around him: ‘Italy has called.’
We’re still waiting on Pioli, whom Gravina also approached. He has a verbal agreement with Fiorentina and is working to secure his release from Al-Nassr.
Kevin De Bruyne and other Napoli transfer news
With that, we can finally shift our focus to the transfer market, especially now that all the benches have been filled.
Napoli have reached an agreement with Empoli for Luca Marianucci, a talented 2004-born centre-back, but Sam Beukema is also in the pipeline. Napoli are planning to complete the deal and gift him to Antonio Conte, who has made his interest clear.
The transfer fee is set at €30m. Bologna are resisting, but they’ll have to solve the situation sooner or later. It would represent a significant capital gain for Joey Saputo’s club, which had spent just €7.5m to sign the defender in 2023.
There has never been a doubt regarding Kevin De Bruyne joining Napoli. The paperwork is complete and the two parties are now finalising the bureaucratic phase. His medical is scheduled for today. No part of the deal has ever been at risk since May 7, when we revealed the contract’s length (two years plus an option to extend) and, more importantly, Mrs. De Bruyne’s visits to Naples, confirming a long-standing decision.
There’s also movement on the wings. A year ago, Conte had shown interest in Federico Chiesa, who was on his way out of Juventus. However, there was no negotiation at the time. After a season with little playing time at Liverpool, Chiesa considers his English adventure over. Napoli are looking for two wingers: Dan Ndoye tops their list, provided Bologna don’t ask for an excessive fee. Napoli also admire Zaccagni, although Lazio’s demands are high. Don’t forget the Biancocelesti are following Giacomo Raspadori with great interest.
Napoli are actively searching for a striker. Over a month ago, we reported their strong interest in Darwin Nunez, who is set to leave Liverpool. For now, the striker has turned down offers from Saudi clubs. In addition to Nunez, Napoli are also following Lorenzo Lucca, who is attracting interest from several Serie A clubs, and Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund, who is also on Inter’s radar.
In other news…
With Cristian Chivu’s arrival on the Nerazzurri’s bench, the Inter-Parma axis could heat up. Inter are planning to sign at least one forward, and Ange-Yoan Bonny has long been on their radar. The two clubs have already met to discuss his possible transfer to Milan.
Edin Dzeko could return to Italy after his time at Fenerbahce. Bologna move first and are working hard to finalise the agreements and beat the competition, but keep an eye out for Fiorentina, who are also interested.
As for Mile Svilar, despite rumours linking him with Milan, his future is increasingly tied to Roma. The Giallorossi haven’t backed down an inch and are now working on bonuses to match the €4m salary demand by the player’s entourage. A new meeting will likely finalise the deal.
Meanwhile, Mattia Perin, who will miss the Club World Cup, has decided to find a new club and considers his time at Juventus over. Offers from Italy and abroad will be evaluated.
Lastly, the Caprile chapter. Cagliari decided days ago to activate their buyout option from Napoli for about €8m. It’s not just a matter of time to formalise the agreement.
