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Napoli target Fiorentina midfielder Rolando Mandragora
UDINE, ITALY - AUGUST 31:Rolando Mandragora of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Dacia Arena on August 31, 2022 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
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Napoli Target Fiorentina Midfielder Rolando Mandragora Amid Transfer Talks

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Napoli have made initial contact regarding a potential transfer for Fiorentina midfielder Rolando Mandragora, as manager Antonio Conte looks to shape his squad for the upcoming Serie A season.

According to reports from FirenzeViola, the Partenopei have reached out to the player’s representatives for what has been described as an “interlocutory meeting” — a first step to understand Mandragora’s current status and contract situation at Fiorentina.

Why Napoli want Mandragora

Antonio Conte has made it clear that midfield stability is a top priority. With Mandragora, Napoli would gain a versatile left-footed who is intelligent tactically, composed in possession, and has Serie A experience.

The 27-year-old has been a key figure for Fiorentina since his arrival, offering balance in midfield with his ability to shield the defense and distribute play. He’s also shown maturity on and off the ball — a quality Conte typically demands from his central players.

Rolando Mandragora’s breakout season at Fiorentina

In 2024-25, Mandragora produced the most prolific Serie A campaign of his career, finishing with four league goals and three assists.

Across all competitions, he netted nine goals, trailing only Moise Kean in Fiorentina’s scoring charts — an impressive return for a central midfielder.

To put that in perspective, no Fiorentina midfielder has scored more in a single season since Jordan Veretout’s 10-goal haul in 2017-18.

Mandragora’s attacking contributions were especially important during the final stretch of the season, as Fiorentina chased European qualification and made a deep run in Europe.

Rolando Mandragora Profile

Mandragora began the season largely anonymous, sitting behind Yacine Adli and Danilo Cataldi in the pecking order. But everything changed when Raffaele Palladino switched to a 3-5-2 system.

Freed from the constraints of a double pivot, Mandragora became a different player in a midfield trio. His late runs into the box and increased attacking freedom turned him into the team’s driving force, especially in the absence of Kean.

Between March and May, he scored six goals — the most of any Fiorentina player during that stretch.

His standout moment? While many point to his stunning long-range strike against Panathinaikos, his match-winning performance against Bologna — capped by a diving header assist — encapsulated his all-action transformation.

Mandragora Stats 24/25

  • Appearances: 42 (34 starts)
  • Goals: 9
  • Assists: 6
  • Yellow cards: 9

Would Fiorentina Sell Mandragora?

While Mandragora is said to prioritize staying in Florence, Fiorentina has yet to initiate talks over a contract renewal. His current deal runs until summer 2026 but includes a clause for an automatic one-year extension based on appearances.

That clause has not yet been triggered, leaving the door slightly open for clubs like Napoli to explore a move.

At this stage, Fiorentina are aware of Napoli’s interest but have not made a definitive decision. Much will depend on whether they offer him a new deal or allow negotiations with other clubs to advance.

Are Napoli Signing Mandragora?

At this point, there is no formal offer from Napoli, but the club and Conte are keen on the move. The next steps will hinge on how Fiorentina responds and whether they move to secure Mandragora’s future before next season.

With the Serie A transfer window heating up, Napoli’s interest in Mandragora is just one of several intriguing moves to watch.

For fans and bettors tracking the summer transfer market, these new betting sites offer updated odds on Serie A transfers, player moves, and club performance projections.

James Lloyd

James is a football writer with a keen eye for Serie A and the tactical nuances of the Italian game. With a background in sports betting, analytics, and performance statistics, he brings a data-driven lens to the beautiful game. James has contributed to leading sports platforms such as Sports Lens and Breaking The Lines, and currently works as a Video Scout for 360 Scouting. Holding a Master’s degree in Sport & Exercise Physiology, he combines academic insight with a lifelong love of the sport.