Napoli president hints at coach Luciano Spalletti’s departure

– Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has signaled the departure of coach Luciano Spalletti. Tensions between De Laurentiis and Spalletti increased as the coach was unhappy with the way the club had handled his contract extension.

Napoli activated a clause to extend his stay at the club until 2024 by notifying Spalletti via PEC.

The Certaldo-born coach expected different treatment after winning his first Serie A title in 33 years in Naples. Several reports in Italy claim that the 64-year-old will leave Stadio Maradona at the end of the season.

De Laurentiis confirmed the coach’s departure at an event in Naples on Friday evening. “Spalletti is an ace and an ace must own the pitch to give his best,” the club president was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He found it with us and everything went smoothly. Of course it is better if he stays. But in life, freedom is an immeasurable and priceless thing, I must not clip anyone’s wings, because no one has to do that with me. Which The most important thing is to be grateful for what has been received,” he added.

According to Gazzetta, Spalletti and De Laurentiis may meet again in the next two days to see if they can continue working together. But the President has begun the process of finding a replacement.

Spalletti has an €8 million clause in his contract with Partenopei.

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