Tottenham Hotspur is shifting its focus to other potential managerial candidates after Arne Slot withdrew himself from consideration for the job.
Reports suggest that Tottenham is interested in hiring Vincenzo Italiano, the current coach of Fiorentina after Slot ruled himself out. Italiano has been linked with a move to a bigger club despite Fiorentina’s mid-table position this season.
Chairman Daniel Levy is still searching for the next manager, two months after Antonio Conte’s dismissal. Additionally, Levy is expected to appoint a new director of football following Fabio Paratici’s resignation due to a 30-month football ban.
However, on Thursday, Slot’s decision dealt a blow to Levy’s plans. Previously, other candidates like Julian Nagelsmann had distanced themselves from the position, leaving Spurs scrambling for alternatives.
According to reports from Italy, Vincenzo Italiano, the head coach of Fiorentina, is among the names on Tottenham’s shortlist. However, they may face competition from Napoli, as their manager Luciano Spalletti is set to take a sabbatical after leading the club to its first Scudetto since 1990.
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio stated on Sky Italia, “It’s inevitable that Italiano will attract interest from big clubs like Napoli. If De Laurentiis were to bet on Italiano, I wouldn’t find it surprising. I know he is also popular abroad. He is on Tottenham’s list. Many claim that Italiano has a €10m (£8.7m) release clause, but there is no such clause to free him from Fiorentina.”
This development follows Feyenoord’s Arne Slot ruling himself out of contention for the Tottenham job. Initial reports had suggested that the 44-year-old was set for discussions with his team, during which he was expected to express his desire to move to England.
