Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly questioning the performance of sporting director Giovanni Manna, with former Lazio and Milan executive Igli Tare emerging as a potential candidate to replace him.
Manna joined Napoli in 2024 and has overseen a significant and expensive squad rebuild. However, the club is currently ninth in Serie A, marking their worst start to a season in 17 years. This challenging period has reportedly led to doubts from the president regarding Manna’s impact, particularly as several new signings have yet to deliver expected results. The team’s attack, despite substantial investment, has scored only five goals.
Tare’s Extensive Experience
Igli Tare brings a wealth of experience, having served as Lazio’s sporting director for 15 years. He later joined Milan, departing in May 2025. His long tenure at Lazio saw him involved in numerous transfer dealings and club strategies.
Notably, Tare has a past working relationship with current Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri. The two collaborated at Milan, where they reportedly attempted to sign midfielder Ousmane Doumbia. Allegri later made another attempt to bring Doumbia to Napoli, highlighting a shared player interest.
Pressure Across the Club
The scrutiny at Napoli extends beyond the sporting director’s role. Massimiliano Allegri’s position as manager is also reportedly under pressure, with his future said to depend on the team’s results leading up to the November international break.
The club’s current struggles, despite a costly overhaul, indicate a period of significant internal evaluation. Further developments regarding both the sporting director and managerial roles are anticipated in the coming weeks as Napoli seeks to turn its season around.