Luciano Spalletti has been handed the most unusual of gifts by the club's ultras as he prepares to depart Napoli.
The Italian has helped end more than 30 years of pain for the club's fans by delivering a first Serie A title since the days of Diego Maradona. Napoli romped to the Scudetto, eventually winning the league by 16 points, but Spalletti has confirmed he will take a sabbatical.
It brings to an end his two-season tenure at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, but things haven't always been pleasant. Back in October 2021 he was the subject of anger from the ultras as they stole his Fiat Panda and told him, via a banner: "We’ll give you back your Panda, as long as you leave!"
Now, with the relationship between coach and fans at an all-time high, they have returned the car's steering wheel and CDs of iconic Neapolitan singer-songwriter Pino Daniele to Spalletti, who laughed as he unwrapped the gifts. At the time of the theft, Spalletti did eventually get his car back upon appeal with the ultras able to return it.
Napoli had threatened to claim the Serie A title last term, sitting top in February before eventually finishing third. This season they long looked like champions elect and were able to convert their healthy lead at the top into silverware.
Now though, with several of their biggest names the subject of interest from rival clubs, they are also on the lookout for a new manager after Spalletti made it known that he needed time away from the game.
"Out of respect for the club I told De Laurentiis straightaway that I needed to take a year off," said the Italian coach. "I'm a bit tired and want to spend time with my daughter Matilde."
Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has accepted Spalletti's request following his sensational efforts. He said: "He is a free man. After 50 years in cinema [as producer], and so many exclusives with directors, actors, when someone comes to you and says: 'After all, I've done my best, a cycle of my life has ended, I still have a contract with you, but I'd rather have a sabbatical year.' What are you going to do, are you going to oppose it?
"You have to be generous in life, I never expect anything in return. He gave us, I thank him, now it's right that he continues to do what he loves to do."
