Will Xavi Manage In Serie A? Napoli Among List Of Clubs Interested In Spanish Soccer Icon

Napoli are reportedly considering former Barcelona manager Xavi as a possible replacement for Antonio Conte as uncertainty grows around the Italian’s future.

Napoli Eye-Up Xavi As Antonio Conte Replacement 

Xavi has been without a job since June 2024 and the Spanish soccer icon is reportedly keen on making a return to the sport next year.

According to multiple sources, the former Barcelona midfielder is being considered as a possible replacement for Antonio Conte at Napoli.

The Italian has come under increasing pressure during the 2025/26 season so far, as Napoli have lost five games across all competitions and sit fifth in the table.

Losing his managerial position in Naples would come as a major shock to Conte following his success last season, as the Partenopei picked up the Scudetto for only the fourth time.

However, recent performances have called Conte’s tenure into question and the Italian recently made headlines for taking a week-long break from Napoli’s training sessions.

The Serie A champions could witness a host of changes next year, with Conte’s future in doubt and Scott McTominay attracting interest from the Premier League.

Bringing in Xavi would be a major risk for the Serie A champions, as the Spaniard is still fairly inexperienced in the world of soccer management.

Xavi began his coaching career in Qatar with Al Sadd, overseeing 96 matches between July 2019 and November 2021 – winning the Qatar Stars League title, the Qatar stars cup, two Emir Cups, and two Qatar League Cups.

The Spaniard guided his side to an invincible league season during the 2020/21 campaign, before earning the managerial position with Barcelona in November 2021.

Returning to Camp Nou was where Xavi really made his name as a coach, taking charge of 143 matches and winning 91, drawing 23 and losing 29.

Barcelona went on to win the LaLiga title and Supercopa Espana in 2022/23 under Xavi’s management – but his time in Spain came to an end in June 2024.

The Spaniard was very vocal about Barcelona’s financial struggles and was keen on stepping down, before John Laporta convinced Xavi to stay.

After finishing second in LaLiga, Xavi was relieved of his duties in Barcelona and has failed to find a suitable club to coach since.

Reports have revealed that Xavi is not the only coach being considered by Napoli, as Thiago Motta is also on the Partenopei’s radar – meaning the Spaniard may look for alternative options in Serie A.

Lazio To Consider Xavi Appointment

Italy’s top division has seen multiple managerial changes this season, with Juventus, Fiorentina, Atalanta and Genoa all parting ways with their head coaches.

This means Xavi’s options in Serie A have become very limited, as the Spaniard will be looking for a team with a high status in Europe.

Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma have all made strong starts to the season, meaning their respective managers are unlikely to be axed any time soon.

However, one side that could be looking to make a fresh managerial appointment is Lazio, as Maurizio Sarri continues to be questioned in Rome.

The Italian manager was reportedly close to leaving the Laziali before the 2025/26 season began after the Rome-based side were handed a transfer ban until January 2026.

Rumors over possible additions in the upcoming transfer window have already begun, as Lazio will battle Fiorentina over Lorenzo Insigne.

Despite these transfer rumors, Sarri’s position with Lazio is still on shaky grounds after a poor start to the season as his side sit ninth in the table.

Sarri’s deal in Rome does not expire until June 2027, meaning the Italian side would have to buy-out the remaining months of his contract to complete a termination this season.

Xavi is said to have his heart set on a move to Naples, however, Lazio could be an option that entices the Spaniard due to the clubs’ rich history.