Antonio Conte Faces Napoli Exit As Partenopei Target Former Barcelona Manager
Napoli are on the verge of sacking Antonio Conte and have already lined up a potential replacement.
Louis Fargher
Updated on 30 January 2026
Antonio Conte is under huge pressure as Napoli manager and the Partenopei are targeting a possible replacement for the 2026/27 season.
Antonio Conte Faces Sack As Napoli Manager
The Serie A champions were eliminated from the Champions League after a 3-2 defeat at home by Chelsea and this catastrophe has left Antonio Conte in a precarious position.
Conte’s record in Europe is far from impressive, as his latest elimination means the Italian has been knocked-out of the group stages on four occasions.
Napoli’s performance in Serie A has failed to distract from the European exit, as the champions sit fourth in the table and are nine-points behind the league’s leaders – Inter Milan.
His position as Napoli manager is on thin ice due to recent performances, as well as a reported fall-out with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The Partenopei did pick up a Supercoppa Italiana trophy in December, but this piece of silverware would have been bottom of Conte’s wishlist at the start of the season.
Conte was linked with a move elsewhere during the summer but decided to stay for another season and his deal in Naples is set to expire in June 2027.
The Italian would need to be in control for the 2026/27 campaign to fulfill his contract, but this has become increasingly unlikely with Napoli’s recent form.
If the current Serie A champions fail to qualify for the Champions League, then Napoli will make Conte surplus to requirements and have already targeted a possible replacement.
Napoli Consider Former Barcelona Boss
The Partenopei will have a plethora of options if Conte’s time in Naples comes to an end, as the likes of Ruben Amorim, Enzo Maresca and Xabi Alonso are all available.
However, the leading candidate to take Conte’s place at Napoli is former Barcelona manager Xavi, as the Spaniard looks to make a return after almost two-years out.
Xavi parted ways with Barcelona in June 2024 after a three-years spell, which saw the Spaniard take charge of 196 matches and win the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup.
His time with Barcelona came to an end after a dispute with the club’s hierarchy and Xavi has been away from the sport ever since.
Conte’s future is having an impact on Napoli’s transfer business as the club are not looking to back a manager that could leave the club before the end of this season.
Napoli were linked with Raheem Sterling but the Englishman’s financial demands made the deal impossible for the Partenopei, but the Serie A champions are looking to make some improvements before January ends.
The Partenopei are yet to make any contact with Xavi, but if Conte is relieved of his duties there could be some swift negotiations between the Spaniard and Napoli.
Louis Fargher
Louis has been an avid soccer enthusiast for multiple years and boasts knowledge across several leagues in Europe - including Serie A. Louis holds a degree in Soccer Journalism and has produced content for multiple clubs in the United Kingdom.
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