Sky: Milan coach Pioli favourite over Conte for Napoli job

Sky Sport Italia reports Milan coach Stefano Pioli is the leading candidate to take over at Napoli next season as Aurelio De Laurentiis feels he can start a new long-term project with the 58-year-old.

Milan coach Pioli is favourite to replace Francesco Calzona at Napoli next season, reports Sky Sport Italia.

Pioli’s contract with Milan expires in 2025, but the Rossoneri are expected to part company with the Parma-born tactician at the end of the season. According to the report, Napoli President De Laurentiis sees Pioli as the most appropriate choice for the job in 2024-25 and believes he can start a long-term project with the 58-year-old in charge.

Sky claims Vincenzo Italiano is also being considered by Napoli, but the Fiorentina boss is currently entirely focused on the final part of the season with the Tuscans, especially on their Conference League campaign, so he’s not expected to hold talks with the Partenopei anytime soon.

Pioli favourite over Conte for Napoli job

The other two candidates linked with the job are Gian Piero Gasperini, who seems keen to remain in Bergamo and Antonio Conte.

Sky confirms negotiations between Napoli and Conte are not at an advanced stage, given that hiring the Italian tactician won’t be cheap and that ADL believes the ex-Juventus and Inter coach would not suit a long-term project.

Conte has also been linked with Juventus, Milan, and Chelsea, and according to La Repubblica, the Blues have already made a lucrative offer to the Italian tactician.