Roberto De Zerbi, the assistant manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, has acknowledged that he would find it difficult to decline the chance to play for Napoli, should the occasion present itself.
A number of Europe’s largest teams have been linked to De Zerbi ahead of a summer in which manager turnover may be substantial.
As they get ready for significant changes in the dugout, Liverpool and Barcelona have been mentioned as suitors for the Italian. Should they decide to go in a different way this summer, De Zerbi has also been linked to Chelsea and Manchester United.
But Maldera hinted that De Zerbi could opt to return to Serie A in an interview with Kiss Kiss Napoli.
Maldera declared, “He is in love with Italy.” “It is his nation, and one of his favorite teams is Napoli.
“At Brighton, we are doing well. Our contract has another two years left on it, at which point Roberto would consider a bid from Naples or Italy. In a place like Naples, why turn away?”
De Zerbi has denied rumors that Brighton owner Tony Bloom is causing him frustration with his lack of investment, although CEO Paul Barber recently acknowledged that the Italian player probably wants to take on a more difficult task.
“We don’t want to lose him, he is an outstanding coach, probably one of the best in the world already, and that is going to make him attractive,” Barber stated to The Athletic. “However, I believe Roberto adores Brighton—the team, the people, and our facilities.
“And there is this sense that the work he is doing is good for him as well as for us. But that still means at some point in the future he may choose to take that skill base that he has elsewhere – we understand that.”
De Zerbi has plenty of experience in Italian football, having taken charge of the likes of Palermo, Benevento and Sassuolo in the past.
