Napoli President Demands Compensation Fee from FIGC for Luciano Spalletti’s Appointment as Italy National Team Manager
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has sent a strongly worded letter to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), demanding a compensation fee if Luciano Spalletti is appointed as the new national team manager. De Laurentiis accused the FIGC of an “amateurish attitude” and insisted that they should not hesitate to pay €1 million gross per year to free Spalletti from his contractual obligations.
Spalletti, who recently guided Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, left the club at the end of last season despite having one year remaining on his contract. The FIGC has been searching for a successor to Roberto Mancini, who resigned from his role as the national team manager. Mancini’s departure came after a five-year spell where the men’s national team won Euro 2020 but failed to qualify for the World Cup last year.
Spalletti, 64, has been linked to the Italy national team manager position, but the FIGC would need to pay a clause worth €3.25 million unless it is waived by Napoli. In his letter, De Laurentiis clarified the situation surrounding Spalletti’s possible appointment and expressed his respect for the national team. He explained that Spalletti expressed his desire for some time off from coaching after winning the Scudetto and that he granted him an extended period of rest as recognition for his excellent work.
De Laurentiis also mentioned that he is thrilled to have brought in new head coach Rudi Garcia and believes that the Frenchman will do a wonderful job. He requested guarantees from Spalletti that he would respect his sabbatical and included a penalty in case of any wavering commitment.
The Napoli president expressed astonishment at the FIGC’s handling of the situation, particularly considering the upcoming crucial games for Italy. He emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with coworkers and ensuring that contracts are respected. De Laurentiis argued that if Spalletti is chosen as the national team coach, the FIGC should not be deterred by the €1 million gross per year compensation fee to free him from his contractual obligations.
De Laurentiis stated that while €3 million is not a significant amount for Napoli or himself, the issue is a matter of principle. He called for the Italian football system to abandon its amateurish attitude and start facing challenges while respecting the rules of businesses, limited companies, and the market itself.
Spalletti has yet to comment on the situation, but in May, when asked about the possibility of taking the Italy job, he mentioned that it would be inspiring and allow him to take some time off occasionally. Italy’s next matches are scheduled for September, where they will face North Macedonia and Ukraine in Euro 2024 qualifiers.
In the meantime, Serie A is set to return this weekend, with reigning champions Napoli facing a trip to newly-promoted Frosinone on Saturday.
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