Napoli have appointed former Spezia executive Mauro Meluso as their new sporting director.
The Partenopei have been actively looking for a sporting director following the departure of Cristiano Giuntoli to fellow Serie A rivals Juventus.
Former AC Milan director Ricky Massara appeared to be the top contender for the job, but Napoli have gone with Meluso.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed the appointment on Twitter.
Meluso has previously worked for Frosinone and Lecce, while his stint at Spezia was as technical director for the 2020/21 season.
It’s another decision that will raise more eyebrows after Rudi Garcia’s appointment since Meluso has only worked at lower-tier clubs, and it is the first time he will undertake a job of such magnitude.
Meluso looks to be a downgrade on Giuntoli, and it remains to be seen how he will fare in his new venture.
Questions were also raised about Garcia as Luciano Spalletti’s replacement when top managers such as Luis Enrique were available.
De Laurentiis has incurred criticism from fans for his controversial decisions, especially when Napoli are set to defend the Serie A title next season.
Napoli are in the market for a new defender due to Kim Min-jae’s imminent move to Bayern Munich.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Max Kilman and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Itakura are among their potential defensive targets.
