Zazzaroni supports Allegri as ideal Napoli coach

Ivan Zazzaroni, editor of Corriere dello Sport, backed Massimiliano Allegri as the ideal candidate to succeed Antonio Conte at Napoli and stated that Roberto Mancini is almost certain to be appointed as Italy’s next national team coach. During a segment on Radio KissKiss Napoli, as reported by TuttoMercatoWeb, Zazzaroni expressed, “Allegri-Napoli? He would be the first choice and he would be perfect.” He further noted, “I would not mind at all if Max came to Napoli. For the national team, Mancini is 99.9% certain.”

Zazzaroni explained the rationale behind his opinions, emphasizing the need for Napoli to secure an experienced and proven winner to fill the potential void left by Conte. “Napoli after Conte is frightening,” Zazzaroni remarked, underscoring the urgency for a highly qualified coach.

He dismissed fellow candidates, specifically mentioning Fabio Grosso as being unprepared for such a significant job, and suggested that Maurizio Sarri could likely end up at Atalanta instead. This analysis comes at a critical juncture for both Napoli and the national team. Currently, Conte's future with Napoli remains uncertain amid fresh discussions with Aurelio De Laurentiis. Meanwhile, the position for Italy's national team coach has been open since the departure of Gennaro Gattuso after the team failed to qualify for the World Cup. If Zazzaroni’s insights hold true, Mancini, who left his role with the Azzurri in 2023, could make a swift and unexpected return to coaching.