Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has slammed the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for their reluctance to pay the required compensation fee to sign Luciano Spalletti.
The 64-year-old manager departed the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium at the end of last season after leading Napoli to the Serie A title.
He had one year left on his contract but was allowed a break after claiming he was exhausted and needed a sabbatical.
A clause was agreed upon before his departure, which demands a €3 million compensation to Napoli if he joins another team before the end of his previous contract with the Partenopei.
Spalletti has now emerged as a primary candidate for the Italian national team job following the resignation of Roberto Mancini.
The role appeals to the experienced tactician but will require the Federation to trigger the €3m termination clause.
However, the FIGC are reportedly unwilling to pay off the Scudetto champions, which has not gone down well with Napoli president De Laurentiis.
He has launched a scathing rant via the club’s official website condemning the FIGC’s lack of principles and inability to coordinate their affairs.
“Luciano Spalletti expressed his willingness to take a break from coaching because he is very tired,” De Laurentiis said.
“In granting him the possibility of not fulfilling his contract, I asked for guarantees on compliance with this sabbatical period, including a penalty if his commitment fails.
“As far as the Federation is concerned, what appears to be most surprising is that we arrive a few weeks away from two very important matches for the national team, with the resignation of coach Roberto Mancini.
“If the choice (for Mancini’s replacement) lands on Spalletti and they offer a €3m salary for three years, there is no reason to believe why €1m per year gross can not be paid to free him from his contractual obligation.
“For Napoli, €3m is clearly not a lot. But, it is not a question of money. It is a question of principle, which doesn’t just concern Napoli, but the entire Italian football system, which must shed its amateurish attitude by complying with standard rules of business.”
