Only a few days after the vacancy of the leader of Serie A powerhouse Vincennes, the Italian National Football Federation (FIFA) has quickly targeted the legendary coach Spaletti, who helped Napoli to win the league title last season. The 64-year-old "bald head coach" paid a compensation of up to 3 million euros (about 25.6 million Hong Kong dollars) to terminate his "free agent" contract with Napoli in order to take charge of the national team.
It was revealed that Spalletti signed a three-year contract with the Italian FA and will officially take up his new role on September 1st. He aims to lead the team to the 2024 UEFA Europa League and 2026 World Cup titles, with a salary of up to €3 million per year, plus a bonus incentive of €1 million per year.
However, Spaletti's replacement could trigger legal action from former owners Napoli. Although he has stepped down as manager of Napoli, he still has a one-year contract with the club. If he wants to coach another team, he will have to buy out his old contract for 3 million euros, which is equivalent to giving up a year's salary.
However, given that Spalletti is playing for his country, the Italian FA is expected to open negotiations with Napoli in an effort to net the Serie A giants a win.
Spalletti has had an illustrious coaching career, having been at the helm of a number of clubs including Sentoria, Udinese, Roma, Sinnit, Inter Milan and Napoli. He has twice led Roma to win the Coppa Italia, twice led Sinnit to win the Russian Premier League, and his greatest moment was undoubtedly helping Napoli regain the Serie A title after 33 years.
