Napoli approach Gasperini as potential Calzona successor – report | OneFootball

Napoli have reportedly been in contact with Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini on Thursday, in regards to a potential appointment as successor to current Partenopei coach Francesco Calzona, according to the latest updates in Italy.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia, Napoli made ‘new’ contact with Gasperini, who is understood to be club President Aurelio De Laurentiis’ first choice candidate for the job.

Recent reports, including Thursday’s, suggest that former Italy CT Antonio Conte is also right up the top of Napoli’s wishlist.

De Laurentiis hinted earlier in the month that he was a big believer in Gasperini, after what has been a massively successful season for La Dea.

Atalanta currently find themselves in fifth place in Serie A, which will be enough to qualify for the Champions League, as Italy have gained an additional spot for the 2024-25 tournament.

They are also due to play Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final at the end of the month, and took part in another final on Wednesday, ultimately losing 1-0 to Juventus in the Coppa Italia.

Gasperini, Conte and Other Napoli candidates

As well as De Laurentiis, Giovanni Manna, who is rumoured to be the next Napoli sporting director, is also a fond admirer of Gasperini’s.

The coach himself is understood to be perfectly happy with his position in Bergamo and is under contract until the summer of 2025. Recent reports elsewhere suggest that Atalanta are keen to table a new contract extension for the 66-year-old.

Thursday’s report suggests that De Laurentiis is prepared to hold out for Gasperini. The coach is expected to consult his current employers before making a decision either way.

Antonio Conte also remains a firm favourite, reports Gianluca Di Marzio. However, if Napoli are not able to convince him or Gasperini, then the back-up options reportedly include current Milan boss Stefano Pioli and Fiorentina’s Vincenzo Italiano.