Allegri is seen as the leading candidate to replace Conte at Napoli

football

Express newspaper

25/05/2026 20:00

Napoli have identified Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri as the leading candidate to take charge of the team at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The Partenopei are looking for a big name to lead a new era, following the confirmed departure of Antonio Conte.

Allegri's sacking from Milan on Monday suggests a major change is in the works.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan coach Allegri has emerged as the surprise favorite to become the next Napoli coach.

The Tuscan tactician is currently seen as the preferred choice of club president Aurelio De Laurentiis to fill the void left by the departing staff and lead a new competitive cycle.

The situation at the "Stadio Diego Armando Maradona" has moved quickly after Conte's official departure.

After two seasons that brought a Scudetto, an Italian Super Cup and a second place, the club has confirmed that it is heading in a different direction.

Now the leaders at Napoli are convinced that Allegri has the experience needed to keep the club at the top of Italian football.

Allegri's potential move to Napoli comes amid a period of uncertainty at San Siro, which led to his dismissal on Monday.

Despite his reputation, his second return to the Rossoneri ended after just one season, following Milan's failure to qualify for the Champions League, finishing the season in fifth place.

Although Allegri had a contract with Milan until 2027, the prospect of a fresh start in southern Italy seems very attractive.

De Laurentiis has long been an admirer of Allegri's pragmatism and now seems the right time for the parties to reach an agreement.

A key factor in this move is also Giovanni Manna at Napoli.

The sporting director has a relationship with Allegri, having previously worked together at Juventus.

This connection is seen as an important element for the transition after the Conte period.

According to "Calciomercato", Manna held a dinner meeting in Milan with Allegri.

Napoli have reportedly made a direct approach for the Italian coach as they look to fill the bench void./Express newspaper/