Romelu Lukaku has made a passionate appeal to Antonio Conte to remain as Napoli manager, even as club president Aurelio De Laurentiis hinted that the Italian tactician’s departure is imminent.
Fresh off securing Napoli’s fourth Scudetto with a 2-0 win over Cagliari, Conte’s future is under immediate threat despite having two years left on his deal.
Reports from Sky Italia indicate a split is likely, and De Laurentiis’s public comments during the club’s title parade have only added fuel to the speculation.
“I will do everything to keep him here,” Lukaku declared during the celebrations. “He’s my Phil Jackson and I’m his Shaquille O’Neal.”
The Belgian striker, who moved to Naples last summer after a 15-second phone call from Conte, expressed deep admiration and loyalty to his coach.
However, De Laurentiis’s remarks during the open-top bus parade pointed to a parting of ways:
“I wish Conte continuing success in his professional life. Thank you, Antonio… I must give a sentimental embrace to this man… He showed the world that systems are useless when you understand the essence of football.”
Despite the celebratory backdrop, the club appears to be preparing for a new era.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has been identified as Conte’s likely successor, with talks reportedly underway.
