Spalletti close to Napoli

President Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed to RTP yesterday that he is looking for “an Italian guy” to replace Gennaro Gattuso, therefore ruling out Christophe Galtier and Sergio Conceicao.

Allegri was first choice for ADL, but it seems he is holding out for Real Madrid or a return to Juve.

Instead, Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia point to advanced negotiations with Spalletti and his staff, which intensified over the last few hours.

It is set to be a two-year contract worth €3.5m per season.

Spalletti has not worked since taking Inter to the Champions League two years ago, when he was replaced by Antonio Conte.

His contract with Inter remains active until June 30, so he has been paid for two seasons while sitting at home.

Other alternatives include Simone Inzaghi, whose future is by no means clear at Lazio.