Who Could Replace Antonio Conte?
Italian Serie A side Napoli has identified two leading candidates to take over as head coach, should Antonio Conte depart. The frontrunners for the role are Maurizio Sarri and Enzo Maresca. Conte is expected to announce his decision regarding his future after the current season concludes. As of now, Napoli sits in second place in the Serie A standings with 69 points, with only four matchdays remaining in the 2025/26 campaign.
Insider Nicolò Schira has provided details on the potential coaching switch. Maurizio Sarri, who previously managed Napoli from 2015 to 2018, is currently at the helm of Lazio in Rome, under contract there until the summer of 2027. Enzo Maresca, who has been without a job since his dismissal from Chelsea in London, is also among the potential candidates. His name has even surfaced as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, though Guardiola has not indicated any plans to leave the club.
Antonio Conte's Achievements at Napoli
Antonio Conte took charge of Napoli ahead of last season and led the club to the Scudetto title in his first year. In December 2022, Napoli also won the Supercoppa Italiana. Conte's contract with the club runs until the summer of 2027, and he has scheduled a meeting with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis after the season ends. Napoli remains competitive in Serie A for the 2025/26 season, still holding mathematical chances of securing a second league championship. The club has effectively already guaranteed a spot in the Champions League, needing just five more points to finish no lower than fourth place.
A change of coach at Napoli could significantly impact the team's future direction, especially given the successes achieved under Conte's leadership. The choice between the experienced Sarri and the younger Maresca reflects the club's ambition to maintain high sporting standards while also adapting to new challenges. A strong finish to the season could play a crucial role in the coach's final decision about whether to continue with the club.
As Napoli considers its future coaching options, it's worth noting that high-profile managers like Pep Guardiola are also being discussed in the context of national team roles. Recent comments from players like Leonardo Bonucci suggest that Guardiola could be eyeing the Italian national team as his next challenge. To explore this potential shift and its implications for Italian football, read more about Guardiola's possible move.