Report: Napoli gear up for Massimiliano Allegri as Antonio Conte's exit looms

The Partenopei clinched their fourth Serie A title, and second in three seasons, with a 2-0 victory over Cagliari, finishing one point ahead of Inter Milan. Despite the success, Conte's future remains uncertain, prompting the club to act swiftly.

De Laurentiis praised Conte's impact, saying, "I wish Antonio continuing success in his professional life. Thank you, Antonio." He highlighted Conte's ability to transform a struggling squad, noting, "He took on a team that was on the brink of disaster and together we reinforced it. He managed through incidents and injuries, using not one, but four or five different tactical systems."

The 76-year-old added, "He showed the whole world that systems are useless; all you need is a great knowledge of what football really means. For him who took us all the way to win the second Scudetto in three years, I ask for an applause."

Conte, the first manager to win Serie A with three different clubs, called this title "the most unexpected, difficult, and stimulating" of his career.

His leadership saw Napoli rebound from a 10th-place finish last season, with key signings Romelu Lukaku and Scott McTominay delivering standout performances. Lukaku scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists, while McTominay, named Serie A's player of the season, netted 12 times, including a crucial goal against Cagliari.

However, Conte's strained relationship with De Laurentiis, particularly over the January transfer window, has fueled speculation of his departure. Posts on X from May 26, indicate a decisive meeting between Conte and De Laurentiis is set for Tuesday or Wednesday in Rome to determine his future. If Conte leaves, Napoli are poised to target Allegri, a six-time Serie A champion, with a reported two-year contract worth six million euros per season.

Allegri, who has been jobless since his Juventus exit in May 2024, is seen as a strong fit due to his prior working relationship with Napoli's sporting director Giovanni Manna and his friendship with De Laurentiis. The club are keen to move quickly to secure Allegri ahead of interest from Milan and Inter, who may also pursue the experienced coach after the Champions League final.

Napoli's proactive approach signals their ambition to maintain their title-winning momentum, with or without Conte, as they prepare for a demanding 2025-26 season that includes Champions League football.