Journalist Carlo Alvino delivered a sharp critique of Luciano Spalletti during his appearance on Televomero`s “Terzo Tempo Calcio Napoli” program.
Alvino employed the “bunker” analogy, applying it both to Napoli`s defense—which he lauded as the best among the top five European leagues—and to their training facility, Castel Volturno, stressing the importance of the team remaining insulated from outside influences. He suggested that Antonio Conte is the ideal coach to lead this disciplined environment. Alvino expressed his delight with Napoli`s current league standing, noting they are three points ahead of Champions League finalists Inter, which he feels highlights Napoli`s impressive performance. He commended the team`s defensive organization, effective even amidst injuries to players like Buongiorno and Juan Jesus, who Conte had integrated successfully.
Highlighting Napoli`s unusual decision to seemingly weaken their squad in January instead of strengthening it, Alvino described their continued success as nothing short of a “miracle.” He dismissed “chatter from Northern Italy” as mere annoyance stemming from their apparent inability to tolerate the victories achieved by Conte`s Napoli.
According to Alvino, Antonio Conte has achieved the most successful first year of any coach under President De Laurentiis, which he views as highly significant. He downplayed discussions centered solely on “beautiful play,” arguing that the statistics speak volumes about the exceptional work done by a top coach, even if some fans found a particular match unexciting.
Alvino differentiated clearly between Spalletti as a coach and as an author. While acknowledging Spalletti`s extraordinary coaching talent and his rightful place in Napoli`s history, Alvino characterized Spalletti`s newly released book as a “squalid marketing ploy” exploiting the emotions of Neapolitan supporters. He strongly criticized the timing of the book`s excerpts being made public, stating it was inappropriate and reinforced his perception of the book as a calculating commercial endeavor.
He asserted that the book contains “numerous falsehoods” within the chapter dedicated to his time at Napoli. Alvino cited the narrative regarding the Juventus hotel incident as a prime example, countering Spalletti`s version. He explained that Juventus, as a significant client, typically reserves hotels like the Parker`s a year in advance. Napoli, he clarified, relocated to the five-star Caracciolo hotel due to logistical complications related to the highway exit, not because they were displaced by Juventus. He presented this as just one instance among many inaccuracies.
Alvino depicted Spalletti`s viewpoint in the book as “brazenly anti-De Laurentiis,” seemingly intended to gain favor with public opinion. He defended De Laurentiis, describing him as an honest, intelligent individual who honors contractual agreements and avoids compromises.
Addressing the situation concerning the certified email (PEC), Alvino stated that Napoli was contractually obligated to send it. He pointed out that Spalletti`s account in the book does not explicitly state that his relationship with Napoli was irrevocably finished. Reaffirming Spalletti`s status as a coaching “monster” without question, Alvino reiterated that his primary issue lay with the passages he deemed factually incorrect.
On the matter of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia potentially receiving a medal, Alvino indicated that the decision rests solely with Napoli and expressed doubt that they would grant Spalletti this satisfaction, despite acknowledging Kvara`s valuable contributions in several games, including the match against Milan. Finally, Alvino offered his prediction regarding Antonio Conte`s future, suggesting a higher probability of him remaining at Napoli. He concluded by stating that Napoli possesses the financial means to make substantial investments, both to meet Conte`s requirements and to assemble a competitive squad capable of making a strong impact in the revamped Super Champions League format.