Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has indicated that the club’s immediate focus is on enhancing their performance in European competitions, rather than prematurely discussing the potential appointment of a new coach. “We have to stay up there and try to improve in Europe,” he stated, returning from Los Angeles and addressing reporters. De Laurentiis, also a prominent Hollywood movie producer, was a guest on the superyacht Boardwalk alongside American ambassador to Italy Tilman J. Fertitta.
Club Ambitions and European Goals
Following their Scudetto win in 2025 and a second-place finish in the subsequent season, De Laurentiis reflected on Napoli’s consistent upward trajectory over his 22 years at the helm. He stressed the importance of maintaining their elevated status and, crucially, achieving greater success on the European stage. “I have been here for 22 years, we are the only club who kept climbing and climbing. We have to stay up there and must try to improve in Europe,” De Laurentiis told reporters.
Deferred Coaching Discussions
While it is widely understood that Massimiliano Allegri is the chosen successor to Antonio Conte, who departed by mutual consent, De Laurentiis refrained from commenting on the matter directly. He explained that any official announcement regarding a new coach must wait until Allegri has formally concluded his contract with Milan, who recently parted ways with the Italian tactician. “We cannot and must not talk about Allegri until we really have him,” De Laurentiis clarified. He also touched upon the need for consistency in decision-making and expressed his optimism for the future of Italian football under the new Federation President, highlighting the industry’s potential if those in power embrace a forward-thinking approach, drawing a contrast with what he perceives as stagnation in Italy compared to the dynamism of American business.