Luciano Spalletti, the man who ended Napoli’s 33-year Scudetto drought, is set to bid farewell to the club and return to his Tuscan vineyard this summer.
The 64-year-old coach has brought joy to the fans with his exciting brand of football, reminiscent of the days when Diego Maradona dazzled on the field.
In a recent statement, Spalletti expressed his departure as a result of an abundance of love, stating, “Sometimes, you part ways due to too much love… I need to take some time to rest because I’m pretty tired.” After a successful tenure at Napoli, he is looking forward to a year of respite and focusing on his wine-making endeavors.
However, as Spalletti departs, Napoli faces a period of uncertainty heading into the post-season. The club has yet to identify a new coach, and they have also had to deal with the departure of several fan favorites last summer. The allure of wealthier clubs in Europe has made some of their star players targets for transfers.
One player who will remain at Napoli is the talented winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The club plans to offer him a one-year contract extension, doubling his salary to 2.5 million euros. This move aims to secure his services until 2027.
On the other hand, suspended defender Kim Min-jae, who had an exceptional season at centre-back, has attracted the attention of Manchester United. With a release clause of 50 million euros, the English club is reportedly interested in acquiring his signature.
Additionally, star striker Victor Osimhen, who played a crucial role in Napoli’s Scudetto triumph with 30 goals across all competitions, is also being targeted by other clubs. His impressive performances have drawn interest, and his future at Napoli remains uncertain.
While Napoli deals with these potential departures, another Serie A club, Sampdoria, faces a different challenge. Despite being relegated, Sampdoria is optimistic about their future due to a change in ownership. The club has experienced severe financial difficulties throughout the season, including unpaid salaries and the looming threat of bankruptcy.
Fortunately, a takeover bid led by two companies, including one owned by Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani, has been accepted by outgoing owner Massimo Ferrero. Ferrero, who was forced to resign the presidency in December 2021 following allegations of fraudulent bankruptcy, left the club in a state of disarray. The change in ownership brings hope and stability to Sampdoria as they prepare for the challenges of Serie B.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the futures of both Napoli and Sampdoria hang in the balance. Fans eagerly await the announcement of Napoli’s new coach and hope for the retention of key players, while Sampdoria can now focus on rebuilding under new ownership after a tumultuous period.
