The agent of Inter Milan and Juventus target Giovanni Di Lorenzo believes that the Napoli captain’s time at his current club is “a closed chapter.”
Speaking to TV Play, via FCInterNews, Di Lorenzo’s agent Mario Giuffredi explained the reason for the rift between the 30-year-old and Napoli. He also confirmed that there is interest from big clubs.
Di Lorenzo has been a Napoli player for the last five years. He joined the Partenopei from Empoli in the summer of 2019.
For the last two years, Di Lorenzo has also been Napoli’s captain.
The Italian international took over the armband in the summer of 2022, following the departures of Kalidou Koulibaly and Lorenzo Insigne.
In his first season as captain, Di Lorenzo led Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades.
However, the 30-year-old’s second campaign with the armband has gone markedly differently.
The Partenopei endured a truly disastrous campaign, finishing the season in midtable and without European football.
This has naturally caused some tension behind the scenes. And as a consequence of this toxic atmosphere, Di Lorenzo has made clear – he wants out.
Background Of Rift Between Di Lorenzo & Napoli
Agent Giuffredi stated that “Di Lorenzo had a conversation with [Napoli Sporting DIrector Giovanni] Manna in the last few days.”
“As did all of his teammates.”
“They spoke about the season coming to an end,” the agent said. “And of the prospects for next season.”
Giuffredi said that “Di Lorenzo expressed to Manna the feeling that there was a lack of confidence on the part of the club towards him.”
“In response to this statement from the captain, Manna expressed his strong personal esteem.”
“But also that there is a willingness on the part of the club President De Laurentiis to sell if the right offer comes along.”
The agent said that Di Lorenzo took this as “Confirmation that the lack of trust in him was a reality.”
“At that point, having taken note of the President’s views, he explained to the Sporting DIrector Manna that, without the necessary trust, he wants to leave Napoli.”
“The captain cannot have a lack of faith from the club,” Di Lorenzo’s agent said.
“Until then, we had never thought of leaving,” Giuffredi continued. “We would never have thought of leaving Napoli. We even signed a contract for life.”
“That’s always been what Giovanni wants. But everything changes, if the club shows a lack of faith.”
“After all this became known, there have been several inquiries from top clubs.”
Agent Of Inter & Juventus Target Di Lorenzo: Napoli “A Closed Chapter”
As far as the possibility of Di Lorenzo staying with the appointment of Antonio Conte as Napoli coach, Giuffredi said that “We made our decision after what was communicated to us.”
“It’s the right thing to do to close this chapter,” he went on.
The agent gave the view that “Antonio Conte is the only medicine that can cure this Napoli.”
“As a Neapolitan and a Napoli fan, one can only be happy with Conte coming in. He’s a winner. A guarantee for this project.”
“We wish him good luck,” Giuffredi said.
“However, we want to continue on our path. Looking for a project that puts great confidence in Di Lorenzo.”
