Napoli agree two-year deal with Allegri to succeed Conte

What happened

Napoli have reached an agreement with Massimiliano Allegri on a two-year contract to take over as head coach, succeeding Antonio Conte. The deal is not yet official: according to Sky Sport Italia, the announcement is on hold until Allegri formally resolves his existing contract at AC Milan, the final bureaucratic step before he can sign.

Why it matters

Swapping one serial Serie A title-winner for another underlines Napoli's intent to stay among Italy's elite as they prepare for next season's Champions League. For Allegri, it represents a quick return to a marquee job after a disappointing campaign at Milan, and hands Aurelio De Laurentiis a high-profile name to anchor the club's transition after two seasons under Conte.

Context

Conte leaves after a two-year spell, with Napoli among the sides that secured Champions League qualification for 2026-27. Allegri, who is departing a Milan team that missed out on Europe's top competition, emerged as the club's pick ahead of other candidates as talks accelerated in recent days. Pressed on the move at an awards event in Pescara, the coach declined to engage, saying it was not the moment to discuss it.

What to watch next

The immediate trigger is the resolution of Allegri's Milan contract, which would clear the way for his signing and the formal announcement. From there, attention turns to the composition of his coaching staff and Napoli's summer recruitment, with the squad to be shaped for a return to the Champions League.