Serie A Giants Add Lazio Coach Marco Baroni to Managerial Shortlist | OneFootball

Lazio manager Marco Baroni has reportedly landed on the shortlist of Antonio Conte’s potential replacements at Napoli.

The Background

The Partenopei are currently leading the epic Scudetto race thanks to the Biancocelesti who halted Inter Milan’s charge on Sunday. But despite being one win away from lifting their fourth league title, the Southerners could be set for a radical summer revamp, as Conte could decide to walk away after a single year at the helm.

Antonio Conte’s Future in Limbo

The former Juventus, Italy and Chelsea manager reportedly shares a frosty relationship with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis which could drive him away from the Stadio Maradona. Moreover, Conte is asking for guarantees in the market, especially after witnessing the departure of his star player, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, in mid-season without being properly replaced.

Napoli Identify Max Allegri as Primary Conte Replacement

According to Il Mattino (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Massimiliano Allegri represents a concrete idea for Napoli in case they end up parting ways with their incumbent head coach, as De Laurentiis has been a fan of him since his time at Milan. However, the parties have yet to kickstart direct negotiations, leaving the door open for other possibilities.

Aurelio De Laurentiis a Fan of Marco Baroni

The source also mentions Baroni as another profile appreciated by De Laurentiis. The 61-year-old took the reins at Lazio last summer and enjoyed a decent first campaign, despite a few disappointments.

How Baroni Impressed Napoli this Season

The newspaper reveals that the Napoli patron has been impressed by the Florentine’s playing style. Lazio managed to beat the Partenopei in back-to-back fixtures in December (between the Serie A and the Coppa Italia), and were arguably the better side in the 2-2 draw in February. Moreover, Lazio’s draw at San Siro last weekend was greatly appreciated in Naples.

Baroni’s Situation at Lazio

Baroni’s contract with Lazio runs for another year, and the club’s sporting director, Angelo Fabiani, revealed that the hierarchy will assess the manager’s work at the end of the season before deciding how to proceed. The head coach is unlikely to start the next campaign on an expiring deal, so he’ll be either offered a renewal or relieved from duty.