Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis ‘calls Rafa Benitez to discuss a return to the club’

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis ‘calls Rafa Benitez to discuss a return to the club’ with boss Gennaro Gattuso under pressure… and decision on the Italian’s future ‘will be made this week’

  • Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso is under fire following their 3-1 loss to Verona
  • President Aurelio De Laurentiis will decide his future at the club this week
  • De Laurentiis has called Rafa Benitez to discuss a return to the Serie A club
  • Benitez managed Napoli from 2013-2015 and won the Supercoppa in 2014 

Rafa Benitez could make a swift return to management after terminating his contract with Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional due to fears over coronavirus.

Napoli are among those who are interested in his services, having previously won the Supercoppa under his tutelage in 2014. 

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has reportedly called Benitez to discuss a return to the Serie A club as their current manager’s future at the club remains uncertain. 

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has called Benitez to discuss a return to the Serie A club 

The Napoli president has asked for a meeting with sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli to discuss Gennaro Gattuso’s position after their 3-1 defeat to Hellas Verona in Serie A – according to Corriere dello Sport

Napoli are currently sixth in the table, but are through to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia and the the round of 32 in the Europa League. 

As a result, Gattuso will have the opportunity to prove himself in Napoli’s cup match against Spezia on Thursday.

Should Gattuso fail to impress the board, De Laurentiis will cast him out and look to close a deal with Benitez.  

Napoli's current boss Gennaro Gattuso (right) is under fire following their 3-1 loss to Verona

Napoli’s current boss Gennaro Gattuso (right) is under fire following their 3-1 loss to Verona