Italiano ‘had an agreement with Napoli’ before Besiktas took advantage of problems

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 17: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Besiktas celebrates after during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Besiktas JK and Olympique de Marseille at Besiktas Park on September 17, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Vincenzo Italiano ‘had an agreement’ with Napoli when Besiktas swooped in this summer to take him to the Turkish Super Lig, confirmed President Serdal Adali. ‘I thank the Napoli President’ for the opportunity.

The Italian coach has had a strong start to life with the club, securing 10 victories and three defeats, without a single stalemate.

He had been under contract with Bologna last season and was linked with numerous sides, including Milan, Juventus and above all Napoli.

Now the Besiktas chief has revealed just how close Italiano had been to signing with the Partenopei, before they swerved towards Max Allegri, fresh from dismissal at Milan.

Italiano was ready to sign for Napoli

“We called Italiano’s agent and lawyer, when he hadn’t even terminated his contract with Bologna yet,” Besiktas President Serdal Adali told A Spor.

“He said they were going to sign the termination today or tomorrow, because they had an agreement with another club, Napoli. So we turned to other alternatives.

“When we were meeting with this other coach, news came from a friend that there were problems developing in Italiano’s negotiations with Napoli. Within hours, director Onder Ozen asked to fly to Italy for a face to face encounter.

“He was there for two days in Rome, then I went, we talked for another two days, we reached an agreement and brought him here. After explaining a little bit about Besiktas, our goals, and the project, he accepted and we brought him here.

“I must say, I thank the Napoli President for failing to reach that agreement when he did.”

Napoli fans were also far from enthusiastic about the idea of appointing Allegri instead, especially as he had just been fired by Milan for missing out on Champions League qualification on the final day.

The Partenopei have stuttered so far this season, managing two victories, a draw and three losses between Serie A and the Champions League.