Allegri to Napoli: Agreement in place but Milan contract remains the final hurdle

Massimiliano Allegri is closing in on the Napoli job, but the long-awaited official announcement continues to be delayed by one remaining obstacle, reaching a settlement agreement with Milan over his existing contract.

Aurelio De Laurentiis identified Allegri as his ideal candidate to succeed Antonio Conte some time ago, and a multi-year agreement between the coach and Napoli has already been agreed in principle.

However, according to MilanNews24, Allegri remains technically under contract at Milan following his dismissal at the end of the season and continues to receive his salary from the Rossoneri.

Before he can put pen to paper at Napoli, a mutual termination agreement must be reached with his current employers, a process that is likely to involve a financial settlement.

Contacts between Napoli and Milan over a shared solution have continued in recent weeks, and despite cautious public comments from his agent Giovanni Branchini, optimism is growing that a resolution is close.

The feeling within the relevant circles is that the marriage between Allegri and Napoli is now all but inevitable, it is simply a matter of completing the paperwork.

Once the Milan situation is formally resolved, Allegri will be free to sign his new contract and officially begin what promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated managerial appointments in Serie A for the new season.