Napoli Unconvinced by Manna: De Laurentiis Eyes Tare as Sporting Director Shake-Up Looms

FolioPitch.com – 24 October 2026 | Napoli are reportedly unconvinced by Manna as De Laurentiis eyes Tare, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis said to be weighing a change in the sporting director role after a troubled start to the season. According to reports in Italy, the Partenopei owner has doubts about the work of Giovanni Manna, the former Juventus executive who arrived in Naples in 2024, and is considering Igli Tare as a possible replacement. The development comes at a delicate moment for the club, both on and off the pitch.

Manna was entrusted with overseeing an expensive rebuild of the Napoli squad, but several of the new arrivals have yet to deliver. The attacking department has been particularly underwhelming, scoring just five goals despite an outlay of around €200m. That return has intensified scrutiny on the recruitment strategy and, by extension, on the man who shaped it. It is against this backdrop that Napoli remain unconvinced by Manna as De Laurentiis eyes Tare, a figure with a long track record in Italian football.

Pressure Mounts After Worst Start in 17 Years

Napoli currently sit ninth in Serie A after their worst start to a season in 17 years. Tuesday’s 4-3 Champions League victory over Bodø/Glimt eased some of the immediate pressure, but the overall picture remains concerning. Coach Massimiliano Allegri’s position is also under scrutiny, with his future said to depend on results before the November international break. The combination of league inconsistency and a costly squad overhaul has left the club’s hierarchy searching for answers.

The uncertainty surrounding the sporting director role is now intertwined with the coach’s situation. Tare, who left Milan in May, would reunite with Allegri at Napoli, having worked alongside him at San Siro. The pair previously tried to sign Ousmane Doumbia together at Milan, and Allegri made another attempt for the midfielder after moving to Naples. That shared history could make Tare an attractive option should De Laurentiis decide to act.

Tare’s Pedigree and the Milan Connection

Tare spent 15 years as Lazio’s sporting director before joining Milan in 2025, where he worked with Allegri. His experience in Serie A recruitment is extensive, and his familiarity with Allegri’s methods could offer a degree of continuity if the club opts for a change. Reports suggest there could be further developments in the coming weeks, with the Napoli president weighing his options carefully.

The situation remains fluid. While the win over Bodø/Glimt provided temporary relief, the underlying issues that have led to Napoli being unconvinced by Manna as De Laurentiis eyes Tare have not disappeared. The club’s attacking output, the integration of expensive signings and the team’s league position all remain pressing concerns. De Laurentiis is known for making decisive calls when he believes the club’s direction is at stake, and the coming weeks could prove pivotal.

What a Change Would Mean

Should De Laurentiis move for Tare, it would signal a significant shift in Napoli’s recruitment philosophy. Manna’s tenure has been marked by heavy investment without corresponding returns, and a change at the top of the sporting department would likely bring a different approach to the transfer market. It would also strengthen Allegri’s position, given the pair’s existing relationship, though the coach’s own future remains tied to immediate results.

For now, Napoli must navigate a challenging period both domestically and in Europe. The club’s hierarchy is understood to be monitoring the situation closely, and the fact that Napoli are unconvinced by Manna as De Laurentiis eyes Tare suggests that a decision could be made sooner rather than later. The November international break looms as a natural checkpoint for evaluating both the coach and the sporting director.

Conclusion

Napoli find themselves at a crossroads. The expensive rebuild overseen by Giovanni Manna has yet to produce the desired results, and Aurelio De Laurentiis is reportedly considering Igli Tare as a replacement. With Massimiliano Allegri’s future also uncertain, the club’s season hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will reveal whether De Laurentiis opts for continuity or a decisive shake-up. What is clear is that Napoli are unconvinced by Manna as De Laurentiis eyes Tare, and the outcome of that evaluation could shape the club’s direction for seasons to come.