Vincenzo Montella’s departure from Fiorentina has cast the expected announcement of Maurizio Sarri as Napoli coach into doubt.
It’s been widely reported over several days that former Empoli boss Sarri was set for the Stadio San Paolo hot-seat, after he was spotted at the Hotel Vesuvio in Naples heading for a meeting with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
However, according to Tuttosport, Montella’s surprise sacking by the Viola has complicated matters greatly and could now see the 40-year-old assume pole position in the race for the role.
The Turin-based newspaper also say all transfer dealings involving the Partenopei have been put on hold in lieu of an eventual successor for Rafa Benitez being confirmed, including their former boss’ supposed desire to take left-back Faouzi Ghoulam with him to new club Real Madrid.
To that end, La Gazzetta dello Sport also suggest Napoli’s strong interest in Empoli midfielder Mirko Valdifiori, Carpi striker Jerry Mbakogu and Udinese’s Brazilian star Allan will all have to wait.
