Who Could Replace Antonio Conte As Napoli Manager? Pressure Grows On Italian After Champions League Thrashing

Pressure has started to pile on Antonio Conte after Napoli were thrashed 6-2 by PSV, causing heavy talks over a possible sack before 2026 – but who could Napoli appoint to replace the Italian?

Will Napoli Sack Antonio Conte?

The Serie A champions were humiliated on the European stage during their trip to the Netherlands, as Napoli suffered a 6-2 thumping to PSV on October 23rd.

Not only did this bring consecutive defeats across all competitions, but this defeat made history as it is the first time Napoli have conceded six goals in Europe.

Losing 6-2 to the Dutch also brought a career first for Antonio Conte, as it’s the first time that the Italian has seen one of his sides concede six in a match.

This result has now made it two consecutive defeats across all competitions, as Napoli were beaten 1-0 by Torino on MD7 in Serie A and dropped down to third in the table.

The prospect of losing his place as Napoli boss is one that would not have crossed the mind of Antonio Conte at the start of the season, after Napoli secured the league title in 2024/25.

Conte was rewarded for his efforts during the summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund, with the latter already becoming a cult hero in Naples.

Hojlund joined Napoli on loan from Manchester United but the deal will be made permanent if the Serie A side qualify for the Champions League.

Napoli’s place in the top four of the table appeared to be cemented, however, if this run of poor performances continues then the champions could drop down the Serie A.

Conte is under contract until June 2027, meaning his future is somewhat secured and Napoli would need to pay the Italian a substantial fee if they decide to sack the veteran coach.

If the Scudetto winners put in performances like they did against PSV, then the Napoli board may be forced into looking for a new manager in 2026.

Who Could Be The Next Napoli Manager?

Luciano Spalletti

Luciano Spalletti is a name that brings great joy to Napoli supporters, as the Italian helped the club clinch a Serie A title in 2022/23 and ended a 30-year wait for Italy’s biggest prize.

His time with the Naples-based side came to an end after the Italian requested a break away from the sport and a reported falling out with Napoli President, Aurelio De Laurentiis.

However, the 66-year-old returned to management just three-months after his departure from Napoli, as Spalletti took the reins of the Italian national team.

His time with the Azzurri came to an end after a run of poor results and Italy were at risk of missing the World Cup qualification play-offs, which was recently secured by their new manager, Gennaro Gattuso.

Spalletti’s return to Napoli would be a difficult deal to complete due to his issues with the clubs’ president, however, the Italian’s previous success could be a huge consideration.

Erik ten Hag

The former Manchester United manager has seen his reputation in the world of soccer take a big hit in recent years, after losing his place in England and parting ways with Bayer Leverkusen after just two league matches.

Ten Hag was relieved of his duties as Manchester United manager after a run of poor results, but ended his spell with two trophies in two full seasons.

However, his return to the sport did not go according to plan, as the former Ajax manager became the leading man at Leverkusen in July 2025 and was sacked in September.

The Dutch manager was scrutinized for his relationship with the players in Germany and picked up one victory from his three competitive matches.

A return to management in 2025 seems unlikely, however, the 55-year-old will be keen on showing the qualities from his time with Ajax and could be set for a reunion with Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund.

Xavi

Another candidate for the Serie A champions is former Barcelona manager, Xavi, as the Spaniard has been away from the sport for over a year now.

The Spanish coach oversaw 143 matches during his time as Barcelona boss, winning the La Liga title in 2022/23, before being relieved of his duties after a series of underwhelming performances.

Reports have indicated that the 45-year-old is keen on a return to management and is often one of the first names to be linked when a top European side part ways with a manager.

Xavi’s experience in management comes from two spells so far, coaching in Qatar and Spain, meaning Napoli would be taking a risk on an inexperienced coach.