Sky Sport Italia claim the shortlist for the new Napoli coach is down to just three tacticians – Antonio Conte, Stefano Pioli and Gian Piero Gasperini.
The Partenopei have already been through three bosses this term in the wake of Luciano Spalletti’s Scudetto success, but the situation did not improve under Rudi Garcia, Walter Mazzarri or Francesco Calzona.
A few weeks ago, Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano was seemingly the favourite, but he seems to have dropped down the pecking order, especially as Gianluca Di Marzio claims he is far more likely to replace Thiago Motta at Bologna.
The transfer expert believes the shortlist for President Aurelio De Laurentiis is now down to just three men.
Conte concerns
Conte had already been approached earlier in the campaign, but wanted to take time out following the end of his experience at Tottenham Hotspur.
As Inter already learned, he also has some strong demands on the transfer market and that might not suit the De Laurentiis strategy.
Gasperini idea
Gasperini is the latest name on the list, having impressed with his ability to play exciting football and handle multiple tournaments.
However, he is under contract with Atalanta and does not appear to have any particular desire to leave such a well-run club after eight years.
Pioli middle ground
Pioli therefore becomes the favourite, as although his contract with Milan runs until June 2025, he is widely expected to be sacked this summer.
Unlike Conte and Gasperini, Pioli is known for his man-management skills and tends not to be too demanding of club owners.
Sky Sport Italia also point out that Pioli represents the comfortable middle ground between Conte’s more defensive approach and Gasperini’s risky all-attack tactics.