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Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis insists he was the one choosing Luciano Spalletti for the Partenopei, not their ex-director Cristiano Giuntoli, now at Juventus.

De Laurentiis’ quotes emerged during a press conference to unveil a movie produced by the Partenopei owner on Napoli’s Serie A title in 2022-23.

Napoli: De Laurentiis aims dig at Juventus director Giuntoli over Spalletti appointment

Some bits of the movie were shown to reporters during the press conference, and ADL was quoted by TMW as saying: “I’ve always acted as an entrepreneur. I invest money, love, and intelligence. I live my work with commitment. I knew absolutely nothing about football, but I signed some of the most important players in Napoli’s history. Even Spalletti was not brought by the sporting director [Giuntoli], and I’ve always liked him for his personality.”

Spalletti was hired by Napoli in 2021-22 and won the Serie A title in his second and final season at the club.

During a recent interview with Il Corriere dello Sport, Spalletti said it would have been easier for him to stay at the club rather than leave after the Partenopei won their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Giuntoli also left Napoli last summer, joining the Partenopei’s arch-rivals Juventus. The Tuscan director upset ADL after his appointment at the Allianz Stadium, saying he’s always been an Old Lady’s fan.

De Laurentiis replied a few days later, saying that he would have never appointed Giuntoli if he had known he supported Juventus.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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