Italy coach Spalletti had ‘conflicting relationship’ with De Laurentiis

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti admits he had a ‘conflicting relationship’ with Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis, but he will remain Francesco Totti’s ‘great friend’.

Spalletti briefly spoke about his career at Roma and Napoli on RAI 1, mostly focusing on some controversial relationships.

“No other city is as joyous and melancholic as Naples. I will always carry with me the joy I witnessed there,” Spalletti said via Gazzetta.

Napoli won their first Serie A title in 33 years under Spalletti in 202-23, but the coach left the Stadio Maradona a few weeks after securing a legendary Scudetto.

Spalletti admits having conflicting relationship with Napoli President

“I had a conflicting relationship with De Laurentiis. Given my commitment, I would have preferred if he had shown more humanity toward me,” he admitted.

“We haven’t spoken again since we stopped working together.”

Several sources reported in 2023 that Spalletti was unhappy with De Laurentiis’ attitude, especially when the President decided to activate a clause to extend his contract with formal, dry, certified mail.

Spalletti had previously made headlines for a tense relationship with ex-Roma captain Francesco Totti,, who even accused his ex-coach of forcing him to retire in 2017.

Only a few years later, Totti and Spalletti reconciled.

“I liked to think that my fate was in this champion’s hands and magical feet,” Spalletti said.

“When we cleared things up, I still had some things I needed to point out, but we’ll remain great friends.

“A few minutes of blackout missed things between us, but I’ve always done everything for Roma’s sake and never had anything personal against anyone.”

Spalletti’s Italy will return to the pitch on June 6 for the opening match of the World Cup qualifiers against Norway.