Napoli intensify Conte talks as Atalanta cling to Gasperini

Reports are growing that Napoli could make a decision on Antonio Conte over the weekend, as Gian Piero Gasperini leans towards an Atalanta extension.

President Aurelio De Laurentiis had made it clear he was interested in Gasperini to revamp the current squad along with new director of sport Giovanni Manna.

Gasperini also confessed he was tempted by the proposal and the ‘challenge’ of a new role after eight years in Bergamo, but today’s meeting with Atalanta directors seemingly went well.

Another encounter will be held tomorrow with discussions over whether to extend for two years or three, as well as the reinforcements he is requesting for the Champions League campaign.

Napoli step up Conte talks

Multiple sources including Sportitalia, Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset all now suggest Napoli have recognised the situation and are intensifying talks with Conte instead.

He remains by far the favourite ahead of Stefano Pioli and could even accept a pay cut from his demands to get the deal done.

Napoli won the Scudetto under Luciano Spalletti, but then went through three coaches in a single season, missing out on Europe altogether.