The fate of the 43-year-old Italian coach, Gennaro Gattuso will be decided in the next two matches. Aurelio de Laurentiis wants Rafael Benitez back in the team.
Italian Napoli will most likely say goodbye to head coach Gennaro Gattuso this month. The 43-year-old Italian specialist has strained relations with the Neapolitan club’s management. So, as it turns out, they have already selected his replacement.
According to Calciomercato, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis will make the final decision based on the matches against Atalanta (Italian Cup) and Juventus (Serie A). If Gattuso’s team does not succeed, the chances are quite high, he will be pointed to the door, and either Rafael Benitez or Walter Mazzarri will join the team. Interestingly, both of these coaches have already worked in Naples.
De Laurentiis strained his relationship with Gattuso after losing to Verona (1: 3). The president of the club hot-heartedly called another former Neapolitan captain Maurizio Sarri and asked him to return. However, he refused. Then there were contacts with Mazzarri and Benitez. So, it also emerged that Aurelio’s sympathies were more on the Spanish side. Benitez last worked in Chinese Dalian and is now free.
For reference, Napoli will play a repeat match of the Italian Cup semi-final against Atalanta (the first ended in a goalless draw) on February 10 and will face Juventus in the championship on the 13th. Gattuso’s team will play as a guest in the first case, and the Turinese will meet at home.