Igor Protti’s family has announced the death of the former Italian striker at the age of 58 and, in accordance with his wishes, shared his final message: ‘This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle.’

Former Italian striker Protti died last night, aged 58.

Ex-Italian striker Protti dies at 58

His family confirmed the news in a statement published on his official Instagram page: “With immense sorrow, the family announces that Igor passed away during the night,” the statement reads.

In accordance with Protti’s wishes, the family also published a farewell message from the ex-striker: “This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle. It is difficult to find words that can explain it, the only thing I can do is thank my great and wonderful family, whom I have loved dearly.

“I also want to thank all the people who cared for me and stood by my side, and all the supporters of the teams I played for, for the affection and love they always showed me, which I wholeheartedly returned. Hoping this is a see you again rather than a farewell.”

Protti revealed in July 2025 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, which, by September, had spread to his vertebrae. At the end of last month, he walked his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

A former striker for Livorno, Messina, Bari, Napoli and Lazio, among others, Protti was, along with Dario Hubner, the only player to become the Capocannoniere in each of the top-three Italian leagues: Serie A, Serie B and Serie C.

To date, he’s also the only player to finish as the Serie A leading scorer while playing for a team that was relegated in the same season (Bari).

During his playing career, Protti scored 48 goals in 144 Serie A matches.

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Sky Sport Italia reports that both Juventus and Napoli have shown interest in Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after Inter opted for Lazio’s Ivan Provedel instead.

Napoli and Juventus have set their sights on Tottenham keeper Vicario, according to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio.

Vicario transfer news: latest updates with interest from Serie A

Inter had chased the Italy international for several weeks in the past, but the Nerazzurri eventually decided to pick Provedel from Lazio and promote Josep Martinez to a starting role for 2026-27 following Yann Sommer’s exit as a free agent.

The Serie A interest in Vicario, however, remains very much alive, with both Juventus and Napoli tracking the ex-Empoli and Cagliari keeper.

Juventus have made Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez their primary target for a goalkeeper, but they have not yet reached an agreement with the Premier League club and would consider Vicario if he were less expensive than the Argentine.

Napoli, on the other hand, would only open formal talks for Vicario’s return to Serie A if one of their goalkeepers, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic or Alex Meret, were to leave this summer.

Kevin De Bruyne admits Romelu Lukaku was ‘vital’ for Belgium in a 1-1 draw against Egypt in their World Cup debut, but Rudi Garcia insists that the Napoli striker is ‘still not ready’ to start a game.

Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt in the World Cup opener on Monday.

Lukaku, who started on the bench, had an immediate impact when he was substituted on at minute 65, contributing to Mohamed Hany’s own goal just 28 seconds later.

Decisive Lukaku in Belgium 1-1 Egypt

“We were not at our best in the first half, but we found different ways to hurt them after the break,” Lukaku’s Napoli and Belgium teammate said at full time via FIFA.com.

“Even if it went down as an own goal, Romelu’s presence was vital. We know how dangerous he can be for our opponent’s defence. If we look at the other matches at this World Cup, though, nothing can be taken for granted, and no game is easy.”

Lukaku played only 64 minutes at club level with Napoli, mostly due to injuries, but still earned a call-up to the World Cup.

“He is not ready yet to start a game,” said Belgium coach Garcia, a former Napoli and Roma boss.

“We did not even expect to have him with us at this tournament. Sixty-four minutes over an entire season is hardly ideal preparation for a World Cup. It is fantastic to have him back, but his body still needs to adapt to the demands of competition.

“He could even have ended up with a brace with that header, but I am delighted for him, and the whole squad feels the same way. Lukaku is hugely important to us.”

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay takes place in Miami this evening, with two sides who will be eager to pick up the three points, given the shocking draw earlier today between tournament favourites Spain and debutants Cape Verde.

Either side can move top of Group H today with a win.

Saudi Arabia only have one Serie A connections in their team, with right-back Saud Abdulhamid, formerly of Roma, in the lineup.

Uruguay, meanwhile, have more connections than their opposition.

Defender Mathías Olivera currently plays for Napoli, whilst Rodrigo Bentancur, Matias Vina and Fernando Muslera also spent time in Italy’s top flight.

World Cup 2026 – Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Lineups

Saudi Arabia: Alowais; Alamri, Altambakti, Alharbi, Abu Alshamat, Abdulhamid; Ajuwayr, Alkhaibari, Kanno; Albrikan, Al Dawsari

Uruguay: Fernando Muslera; Caceres, Valera, Olivera, Vina; Ugarte, Bentancur, Valverde, Araujo; Nunez, Vinas

Massimiliano Allegri’s appointment as Napoli head coach is expected to be confirmed this week, with all parties working to resolve the final contractual obstacle standing between the coach and his official unveiling at the Maradona.

The agreement between Allegri and Napoli has been in place for some time.

The delay, as has been well documented, stems entirely from the situation between Allegri and Milan; financial and contractual details from his dismissal that must be formally resolved before a clean break can be confirmed.

According to Il Roma, via NapoliCalcioLive, the coming days should finally bring those negotiations to a conclusion.

Allegri confirmation key to unlocking Napoli’s summer transfer plans

The announcement carries significance well beyond the symbolic.

Once Allegri is officially in place, Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna can accelerate transfer planning with far greater precision, identifying the specific profiles the new coach requires and finalising preparations for pre-season. Every day of delay costs the club time in a competitive window.

For the Napoli fanbase, the atmosphere is described as one of quiet anticipation.

The outcome feels inevitable, it is simply a matter of when the paperwork catches up with what everyone already knows.

Belgium vs Egypt takes place this evening in the opening World Cup Group G fixture, with two of Serie A’s most recognisable names expected to start for the Red Devils.

Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Napoli last summer, lines up alongside Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere in what is a formidable Belgian attacking unit.

Romelu Lukaku, Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers all start on the bench for Belgium.

Former Atalanta full-back Timothy Castagne also starts, having spent three seasons in Bergamo between 2017 and 2020 before departing for the Premier League.

For Egypt, Mohamed Salah, who had two separate Serie A spells with Fiorentina and Roma between 2014 and 2017 before his famous move to Liverpool, leads the line as his nation’s talisman and one of the tournament’s most anticipated individual performers.

Belgium vs Egypt – World Cup 2026 Lineups

Belgium: Courtois, Meunier, Ngoy, Mechele, Castagne, Onana, Tielemans, Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku, De Ketelaere
Egypt: Shobeir, Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy, Fatouh, Lashin, Attia, Ashour, Zico, Salah, Marmoush

Spain open their World Cup Group H campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta, with former Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz lining up in midfield for the reigning European champions.

For Cape Verde, former Lazio and Salernitana winger Jovane Cabral starts, giving the Blue Sharks a familiar face for Serie A followers as they look to cause an upset against one of the tournament favourites.

Hellas Verona forward Dailon Livramento starts, after spending the last season on loan with Casa Pia in Portugal.

Spain vs Cape Verde – 2026 World Cup Official Lineups

Spain: Simon; Llorente, Laporte, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Rodri, Ruiz, Gavi, Pedri; Torres, Oyarzabal
Cape Verde: Vozinha; Borges, Lopes, Cabral, Moreira; Pina, Monteiro, Duarte; Cabral, Livramento, Mendes

Maurizio Sarri has been officially appointed as Atalanta head coach, bringing one of Italian football’s most distinctive tactical minds to Bergamo as the club prepare for their first Conference League campaign.

The club welcomed the Italian with a statement published on their official website.

The 67-year-old arrives with a storied CV: over 800 professional matches managed, a UEFA Europa League title with Chelsea, a Serie A Scudetto with Juventus and three consecutive seasons of breaking Napoli’s points record under his belt.

Most recently he led Lazio to the Coppa Italia final, having previously guided the Biancocelesti to the Champions League Round of 16 in 2023/24, described in the statement as the second-best European result in the Roman club’s history.

Sarri reunites with Giuntoli at Atalanta after transformative Napoli partnership

The appointment also represents a reunion with sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, with whom Sarri worked closely during his transformative years at Napoli between 2015 and 2018.

That partnership produced some of the most thrilling football Italian football has seen in the modern era, and Atalanta will be hoping lightning strikes twice.

Born in Naples but raised in Tuscany, with a childhood spell in the Bergamo area, Sarri’s connection to the region adds a personal dimension to one of the most intriguing coaching appointments of the summer.

Reports in Italy claim that Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s agents have asked Napoli for their valuation of the midfielder, as the Cameroon international ponders his options with one year remaining on his contract at the Stadio Maradona. 

How much do Napoli want for expiring Anguissa?

Anguissa has been linked with a potential move away from Napoli this summer. The 30-year-old has played a pivotal role in Napoli’s last two Serie A titles in 2022-23 and 2024-25, but is now approaching the final 12 months of his contract and feels that this might be his final opportunity to explore a move away to a different, competitive side in Europe. 

According to reports from Il Mattino (via Calciomercato.com), Anguissa’s agents have asked Napoli for their valuation of the midfielder, which is an indication that the former Fulham man is still considering a transfer away from Serie A this summer. 

According to Sunday’s reports, Napoli will seek a fee of €20m to sell Anguissa with one year remaining on his contract this summer. 

Anguissa was only fit enough to make 18 appearances in Serie A this season after suffering a serious hamstring injury in November, which would keep him sidelined until the beginning of March.

Reports in Italy claim that Massimiliano Allegri could give up on the severance pay he is owed from Milan in order to take up the vacant head coach position at Napoli. 

Milan night not have to pay any severance pay to Allegri

Allegri was dismissed as head coach of Milan the day after the 2025-26 season came to an end. 

He is widely expected to take over as head coach of Napoli, replacing Antonio Conte on a two-year contract, however, he must first come to an agreement to terminate his contract with Milan before starting work in Naples. 

Despite discussions over the last few weeks, Allegri and Milan have not yet come to a mutual agreement. 

Allegri would have been due to earn €5m on the second year of his Milan contract, expiring next summer, and he is reportedly set to earn €4.5m per year on his new deal with Napoli. According to reports on Sunday, Milan have offered to pay €500,000 in severance, i.e. the difference between the coach’s Milan and Napoli salaries. 

Calciomercato.com claims that Allegri’s initial request was for €2m and a further €3m for his staff. 

However, with the start of pre-season quickly approaching and with no agreement in place between the coach and club, the latest reports claim that Allegri is considering walking away from Milan without severance pay, so that he can get to work with Napoli within the coming weeks, if not days.

Kevin De Bruyne has spoken about the differences in style of football in Italy compared to the Premier League and says that he is excited to be taking on Mohamed Salah when Belgium face Egypt at the 2026 World Cup on Monday evening: ‘Like old times’. 

De Bruyne on playing in Italy, learning how to play in a low block and facing Salah again

De Bruyne joined Napoli at the beginning of the 2025-26 season following a 10-year stint in the Premier League with Manchester City, during which time he won the league title six times and claimed the 2022-23 Champions League. 

The experienced Belgian hit the ground running after moving to Serie A over the summer, providing four goals from his first eight league appearances before suffering a hamstring injury against Inter towards the end of October. 

That would cause him to miss over four months of action and limit him to just 18 league appearances during his first season in Italy. 

“It’s difficult to say, obviously I’ve been out for four or five months,” De Bruyne said during his pre-match press conference with Belgium when discussing his own condition heading into the World Cup. 

De Bruyne also went on to discuss the differences he encountered playing in Italy compared to the Premier League. 

“I really felt like at the beginning of the season and even when I came back I was pretty good considering everything that happened. 

“I think I faced a very different style of playing in Italy than I was probably used to in England. In a way there are some things you can take about learning how to defend deep and all that kind of stuff. Sure, you take some things.” 

Belgium’s upcoming match against Egypt will bring a battle of two modern-day Premier League greats in De Bruyne and Salah. 

“You know, it’s going to be nice to see Mo (Salah) again,” said De Bruyne. “Omar (Marmoush) I know also. I played against Mo for 10 years. Our kids also went to the same school so I saw him from time to time and he’s a really nice guy, so it will be nice to see him, nice to compete again like old times.”

Scotland face Haiti in their World Cup opener with a strong Serie A presence throughout the starting eleven.

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay leads the line from midfield, flanked by Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson, while Torino striker Che Adams starts up front alongside Lawrence Shankland.

Haiti field no players with Serie A connections in their starting eleven.

World Cup 2026 – Haiti vs Scotland Lineups

Haiti: Placide; Arcus, Adé, Delcroix, Expérience; Casimir, Bellegarde, Jacques, Providence; Isidor, Pierrot.

Scotland: Gunn; Hickey, Hanley, Souttar, Robertson; Gannon-Doak, McTominay, Ferguson, Christie; Adams, Shankland.

Stanislav Lobotka has been convinced to commit his future to Napoli beyond 2027, with incoming coach Massimiliano Allegri having already made clear to the club’s hierarchy that the Slovakian midfielder is once again considered untouchable, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Lobotka’s current contract runs until 2027, but Napoli hold an option to extend it by a further year to 2028 – and the club have communicated their intention to exercise it, with talks over a longer-term renewal also expected to follow.

A release clause of €25 million does exist, valid only for foreign clubs and only during the first two weeks of July, but it requires the player’s consent to be activated. That consent now appears highly unlikely to be given.

Lobotka relationship with city and partner reinforces decision to stay at Napoli

The timing of Allegri’s arrival has proved decisive.

Two years ago it was Antonio Conte’s appointment that convinced Lobotka to stay; this time, the midfielder had reportedly been weighing his options, having found Conte’s demands on him physically taxing, used more as a box-to-box presence than the pure playmaker role in which he thrives.

Allegri is understood to want to manage Lobotka’s workload more carefully while still building the team around his vision and passing range.

Beyond the football, Lobotka‘s life in Naples has clearly played a role.

He arrived in January 2020 and struggled initially with the move and the isolation of the pandemic period, but has since become an idol of the Napoli support.

His partner Simona Leskovska has also embraced the city, regularly sharing posts from their favourite spots around Naples.

Having won two Scudetti, a Coppa Italia and a Supercoppa, and having worn the captain’s armband last season, Lobotka now appears settled on extending his stay on the west coast.

Scott McTominay has been seen back in training with the rest of his Scotland national team colleagues after a brief illness scare that put the Napoli midfielder at risk of missing his nation’s 2026 World Cup opener against Haiti. 

McTominay panic over for Scotland

McTominay travelled separately from the rest of the Scotland national team as they arrived at their training base in Boston. The Napoli midfielder also missed his team’s training session on Thursday, which came as a concern given that Scotland’s World Cup campaign will get underway at 2.00 BST in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

However, the panic now appears to be over as footage has emerged online of McTominay being back in training with the Scotland squad on Friday.

Scott McTominay training with the squad this morning. pic.twitter.com/L7vO0HEtDN

— Raman Bhardwaj (@ramanbhardwajTV) June 12, 2026

It is understood that McTominay was suffering from a stomach bug. He travelled separately so as not to put his other teammates at risk of falling ill in the hours leading up to their first World Cup match since 1998. 

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has confirmed that McTominay is feeling ‘perfect and ready to go’, but warns that it is unfair to put the expectations of an entire nation onto one man’s shoulders. 

“I’ve got 26 superstars here. To try to put so much on one person is not fair.

“We’ve built everything we’ve done over the last seven years on the squad, the team, everyone being together and playing their part at certain times.

“We are delighted with Scott’s abilities and what he can bring to the team. But we are going to need another 15 to bring the same if we want to have a positive tournament.”

Napoli star Scott McTominay was not on the Scotland team bus when they arrived in Boston on Thursday and missed a training session with his national team due to an upset stomach, while Billy Gilmour visited his teammates.

Scotland make their 2026 World Cup debut on June 14 at 3:00 AM (CET) against Haiti, but are preparing for the match with some concern over Napoli star McTominay.

Scotland team news: McTominay latest updates

As reported by the BBC and other media outlets in the UK, the Napoli star travelled separately from the rest of the Scottish team when they arrived at their Boston hotel on Thursday, missing a training session as well.

McTominay travelled to the team’s hotel with the doctors, and according to the BBC, this is believed to be a precautionary measure.

Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean spoke about McTominay’s condition at a press conference: “Hopefully that doesn’t spread. Fingers crossed Scott will be fine. I’m sure he will be,” he said.

“I don’t need to speak too much on him; everyone knows how big he is.

“It’s a team effort and always will be, but when you have special, special players like that, you want them to be available. I’m sure he will be.”

McTominay’s Napoli teammate Gilmour, on the other hand, was spotted at the team hotel on Thursday, visiting his teammates ahead of their World Cup debut over the weekend.

Gilmour visits Scotland team

Gilmour was meant to be part of the Scottish team for the World Cup, but was forced to pull out due to an injury suffered during a pre-tournament friendly against Curacao.

“He obviously wants to experience things around the lads and also in and around the city with the fans and soak in the atmosphere,” McLean said via The Independent.

“He deserves so much more, but there is going to be so much more opportunity for Billy. I know it’s not what he wants to hear right now, but there will be.

“What an amazing talent, what an amazing young man and it will be good to see him.”

Federico Gatti has fallen well down the pecking order at Juventus since Luciano Spalletti took charge, and with the Bianconeri planning to add further centre-back competition this summer, his departure is looking increasingly likely — with both Napoli and Roma already making enquiries.

According to the reports from Sportmediaset, via CalcioMercato, Gatti’s decline under Spalletti has been marked. The Italy international was a key figure under previous coaches but has gradually lost his starting place as the former national team coach tightened his grip on the club’s footballing decisions.

The expected arrival of another central defender will effectively push him to the periphery of the squad entirely.

Allegri and Gasperini both keen on Gatti as Juventus hold firm on €20m valuation

The interest from both clubs makes sense in context.

Roma are managing an uncertain situation around Evan Ndicka, whose potential departure could leave Gasperini short at the back, while Napoli face the exit of Juan Jesus and need a physically imposing replacement.

Incoming Napoli coach Allegri is reportedly a known admirer of Gatti.

Juventus, however, hold all the cards.

With Gatti contracted until June 2030, the Bianconeri have no pressure to sell cheaply and were demanding a minimum of €20 million as recently as January.

That figure is unlikely to have moved downward in the intervening months, meaning any interested club will need to meet Turin’s valuation to have any chance of striking a deal.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has set a €10 million asking price for Romelu Lukaku, according to TMW, as the club look to offload the Belgian striker following his fallout with the club at the end of last season.

In the report published on TuttoMercatoWeb, it suggests the price tag represents a significant loss on the approximately €30 million Napoli paid to sign Lukaku in the summer of 2024, but his injury-ravaged campaign and the breakdown in his relationship with the club have drastically reduced his market value.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea forward managed just seven appearances and 64 minutes of football under Antonio Conte this season, contributing a single goal before a thigh injury effectively ended his campaign.

Allegri decision key to Lukaku future as Napoli await World Cup return

The one factor that could yet keep Lukaku in Naples is incoming coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has long admired the striker from afar and reportedly attempted to sign him from Chelsea in the past.

Any decision is likely to be deferred until after the World Cup, with Lukaku currently on international duty with Belgium.

Interested clubs have been put on notice; €10 million is the figure required to open talks.

Wednesday’s reports claim that two Serie A clubs are considering making moves for Federico Chiesa during the summer transfer window as Liverpool set their valuation for the former Juventus winger. 

Could Chiesa return to Serie A this summer?

Chiesa could be on the move this summer after spending the last two seasons in the Premier League with Liverpool, where he has failed to establish himself as a regular in the starting line-up under Arne Slot. 

After a complicated summer in 2024 following a miserable EUROs campaign with Italy and effectively being sent into exile by Juventus with one year remaining on his contract, Chiesa joined Liverpool in a €15m deal, but struggled to get up to full fitness for most of the 2024-25 season. 

His 2025-26 campaign began more encouragingly, but still, the 28-year-old only played for a total of 318 minutes in the Premier League this season and only appeared in the starting line-up once across the league and Champions League. 

Now, according to reports from Caught Offside, Liverpool are prepared to let the former Juventus forward leave for a fee in the region of €20m this summer. 

It has been reported that Como, who will play in the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history next season, are among the sides interested in making a move for Chiesa this summer. 

Wednesday’s report adds that Napoli, who will be led by Chiesa’s former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri next season, are also among the interested parties.

Nottingham Forest confirm Lorenzo Lucca will return to Napoli after a six-month loan spell at the City Ground.

Italy international Lucca will return to Napoli after a six-month loan spell at Nottingham Forest, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.

Official: Lucca returns to Napoli from Nottingham Forest

Forest confirmed their retained list for 2026-27, but didn’t include the Italian centre-forward.

“Lorenzo Lucca will return to SSC Napoli following the conclusion of his loan spell at the City Ground,” Forest said.

Lucca joined Forest on loan with an option to buy from Napoli in the January transfer window, but only made four Premier League appearances, scoring one goal.

Lucca also collected five appearances in the Europa League, scoring no goals.

The 2025-26 season was quite tough for the 25-year-old, who failed to impress at both Napoli and Forest.

Lucca joined the Partenopei from Udinese for €26m a year ago, but didn’t settle in under Antonio Conte, leaving the Stadio Maradona after just six months.

Lucca will now be assessed by Massimiliano Allegri, who is expected to be appointed as the new Napoli coach in the coming days.

Lucca finished the 2025-26 season with just three goals in 32 games with Napoli and Forest.

Antonio Vergara’s agent refuses to rule out his client’s exit from Napoli this summer, but warns: ‘It will be the club’s decision.’

Mario Giuffredi, agent of Napoli talent Vergara, refuses to rule out his client’s departure from the Stadio Maradona this summer.

Agent admits Vergara might leave Napoli

“Vergara intends to stay at Napoli. He’s a 23-year-old player and has arguably the most outstanding natural talent in Serie A,” Giuffredi told Gazzetta.

“He’s got determination and character, but we need to understand the club’s position. If they would rather sell him for €25m or €30m, we won’t stand in anyone’s way. It’s not Vergara’s decision, nor his agent’s. It will be the club’s decision.

“At most, we could ask to discuss a new contract.”

Vergara has been linked with a move to Como, and the player’s agent confirmed the interest: “They [Como] are a club that have always shown interest in Vergara, as have others,” he concluded.

Vergara scored three goals and provided four assists in 19 appearances across all competitions in 2025-26 and has yet to make his debut with the senior Italy national team.

Massimiliano Allegri is yet to officially begin his Napoli tenure, still awaiting resolution of his Milan contract, but the issues awaiting him in the Campanian capital are already piling up.

From a striker in open conflict with the club to a midfielder who has lost his way and a goalkeeper situation without a clear answer, Allegri’s work is cut out before he has even walked through the door.

According to reports from Goal, the most pressing question surrounds Romelu Lukaku.

The Belgian caused significant friction at the end of last season by choosing to remain in Belgium to recover from injury rather than return to Naples as instructed, a decision that angered both Conte and the club hierarchy.

Despite the bad blood, Allegri is known to admire Lukaku and reportedly attempted to sign him from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. With one year remaining on his contract, a resolution is unlikely before the World Cup concludes.

Zambo Anguissa revival a priority as Napoli goalkeeping battle remains unresolved

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa‘s rehabilitation is another immediate priority.

The Cameroonian was sensational in Napoli’s title-winning campaigns but has been a shadow of himself since returning from a serious injury, finishing the season on the bench for four of the final five matches.

Allegri will need to assess whether Anguissa can rediscover his best form, or whether reinforcements in the form of Richard Rios or Adrien Rabiot become necessary with his contract expiring in 12 months.

The goalkeeping situation is equally unresolved.

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic made 27 league appearances to Alex Meret’s 11, yet the Italian, a Scudetto winner under Spalletti, kept clean sheets in both of his late-season starts. Allegri will need to end the rotation and name a clear number one from the outset, a decision that could determine Meret’s future at the club.

Napoli face a defining decision over the future of Antonio Vergara, with the 23-year-old midfielder attracting significant interest from clubs across Italy and England as his valuation rockets to at least €30 million following an impressive season under Antonio Conte.

The question internally is straightforward but far from easy to answer, commit to Vergara as a cornerstone of the new project, or cash in on a substantial profit while the market is at its peak.

His technical quality and personality in training have convinced the club of his potential, but the level of external interest is making that decision increasingly difficult to defer, according to reports from Sportmediaset, via TuttoMercatoWeb.

Spurs, Atalanta and Roma join Como in race for Vergara

In Serie A, Como have been the most prominently linked club, but as per the reports, both Atalanta and Roma have also made multiple enquiries to monitor his development.

The interest extends beyond Italy’s borders, with Tottenham understood to have placed Vergara on their list of priority young targets, and further Premier League clubs are expected to enter the race in the coming weeks.

For Napoli, the situation is a familiar but uncomfortable one.

Developing talent only to face pressure to sell at the peak of their value is a cycle the club know well, and with a new coach yet to be officially confirmed, the decision over Vergara may ultimately hinge on who takes the dugout and whether they see him as central to their plans.