Manager craze in Serie A: Italian giants set for major touchline changes

The summer transfer window is upon us and, like every year, rumours and speculation regarding possible switches have taken over the headlines in the world of football. But the situation in Italy is different from the rest, in that managers are the ones stealing the spotlight from players.

Between departures, stays, and returns, Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, Gian Piero Gasperini, Raffaele Palladino, Maurizio Sarri, Simone Inzaghi, and Vincenzo Italiano are the hot names circulating at the moment.

Conte tempted to leave Napoli and return to Juventus

The first headline-maker is none other than Antonio Conte. Fresh off his Scudetto triumph, Conte could bid farewell to Napoli after a single season and give in to the temptation of returning to Juventus on a long-term project. However, recent reports have informed that the Partenopei are prepared to offer an increased salary and further financial backing to convince the 55-year-old to stay in southern Italy.

Allegri on Napoli and Milan's radar

Should Conte decide to leave Napoli, club president Aurelio De Laurentis is said to have a back-up plan up his sleeve: Massimiliano Allegri. That said, the Serie A champions will have to watch out for competition from AC Milan, who are also keen on bringing Allegri back as Sergio Conceicao's successor. The former Juventus manager was in charge of the Rossoneri between 2010 and 2014.

Gasperini close to Roma following Atalanta exit

After a historic decade, Gian Piero Gasperini is set to part ways with Atalanta. The Piemonte manager is said to have communicated his decision not to renew his contract, expiring on June 30, in search of a new challenge. According to 'Sky Sport', Gasp is closing in on an agreement with Roma to take over from Claudio Ranieri.

Palladino resigns from Fiorentina and eyes Atalanta

A massive shake-up has also taken place at La Viola, with Raffaele Palladino handing in his resignation despite his recent contract renewal. Works are said to be underway at Fiorentina to convince the former striker to retract his decision, while 'Sky Sports' reports that Atalanta have eyed him as the ideal candidate to continue Gasperini's work at the club.

Potential Lazio return for Sarri

After quitting the club in March 2024 due to internal issues within the dressing room, Maurizio Sarri could return on the Lazio touchline. President Lotito has reportedly offered the ex-Chelsea boss a 2 million euro contract to replace Marco Baroni after a disappointing season at the helm of the Italian capital outfit.

Inzaghi could be swayed by Saudi offers

Inter should be focused on Saturday's Champions League final against PSG, but have been sweating over Simone Inzaghi's future following reports that Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal were prepared to offer him a deal to make him the highest-paid manager in the world. Should he leave, Como's Cesc Fabregas is at the top of the Nerazzurri's priority list.

Italiano pens Bologna stay

After ending Bologna's trophy drought with a Coppa Italia win, Vincenzo Italiano had also been linked to a switch, with AC Milan among the clubs interested. However, his future is now beyond doubt after he penned a two-year extension with the Rossoblu until June 2027. "I'm happy to continue on this path," Italiano said after the announcement of his renewal.