From the sun-drenched terraces of Naples to the feverish Curva A, Napoli has long obsessed over legends — not just among players, but coaches, too. Who truly earns the crown as the most successful Napoli manager? Is it the tactician who delivered silverware, or the one who built sustained identity? In this article, SanaaGoal dives deep into Napoli’s managerial lore, measures success by trophies, records and cultural impact, and settles on who stands atop that pantheon.
What Does “Most Successful” Mean for a Napoli Manager?
Success can be judged by multiple axes:
- Major trophies won (Serie A, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana, European honors)
- Longevity and consistency
- Records (wins, win percentage, unbeaten runs)
- Legacy and cultural imprint on the club
With those criteria in mind, let’s explore the leading contenders.
The Trophy Hunters: Who Brought Silverware?
When Napoli fans remember great managers, trophies loom large. Let’s see who delivered:
Rafa Benítez: The European Architect
Under Rafa Benítez (2013–15), Napoli revived its continental identity. While he didn’t win Serie A, he took them deep into European campaigns and revived tactical credibility. But he lacked the domestic trophies that many fans crave as definitive proof.
Maurizio Sarri: Style and Near-Miss, Sarri transformed Napoli into an aesthetic machine—possession, pressing, swift transitions. He didn’t clinch the Scudetto, but consistently challenged Juventus, won hearts, and left a tactical legacy. But in the context of pure silverware, he falls short.
Walter Mazzarri: Domestic Cup Success
Mazzarri’s first spell (2009–2013) was the longest in modern times, and he delivered the 2011–12 Coppa Italia, Napoli’s first in decades. He also pushed in the Serie A title race in multiple seasons. His cup success gives him weight in this debate.
Bruno Pesaola: The Charismatic Legend
Pesaola, nicknamed “Petiso,” managed Napoli across various spells (1960s–80s). He didn’t bring many trophies—but his connection to the city, aura, and the bridge he built between old generations make him a sentimental icon more than a statistical standout.
Luciano Spalletti: Title Breaker
In the 2022–23 season, Spalletti led Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years, ending a decades-long drought. That title alone places him in elite company. He also holds the record for most Serie A wins with Napoli since the 3-point win era. His combination of trophies + performance gives him a compelling case.
Antonio Conte: Instant Silverware
In his first season (2024–25), Conte delivered the Serie A title, making him the first manager to win Italy’s top flight with three different clubs (Napoli, Juventus, Inter). That feat, in just one campaign, gives him incredible weight in the “most successful” discussion. kipedia])
Records, Numbers and Context
To complement trophies, let’s see who owns the records.
- Spalletti holds the most Serie A wins as Napoli coach in the modern points system.
- Mazzarri is among the longest-tenured Napoli coaches in the modern era.
- Conte’s rapid success is unmatched in Napoli’s recent history.
- None of the older icons (Pesaola, Monzeglio, etc.) match modern bonus metrics like win percentage or European runs in the context of modern competition.
Weighing Legacy vs. Trophies
Sometimes, success is more than silverware: it’s identity.
- Pesaola remains beloved in Naples for building connection across generations.
- Sarri’s style influenced successors and shaped Napoli’s ethos in subsequent years.
- Mazzarri stabilized and modernized tactical expectations in Naples.
But if fans return to ask: “Which manager brought glory?” the answer lies with those who actually won the big prizes.
The Verdict: Who Is the Most Successful Napoli Manager?
Taking stock:
- Conte has delivered top-tier silverware in record time and broken new ground (three different Scudetti with three clubs).
- Spalletti ended a 33-year title drought and holds crucial win records.
- Mazzarri, Sarri, Pesaola, Benítez all have meaningful claims—but when ranking the most successful, trophies and records tip the balance.
Thus, the most successful Napoli manager, objectively and symbolically, is Antonio Conte. His title in 2025, combined with his unique record in Italian football, elevates him not just into Napoli’s history books—but into its legends.
Other Historic Contenders (Quick Look)
| Manager | Tenure | Trophies / Achievements | Legacy Notes |
| Spalletti | 2021–23 | 2022–23 Scudetto; high win total | Broke the drought; record-setting |
| Mazzarri | 2009–13 | 2011–12 Coppa Italia | Longest modern spell; tactical evolution |
| Sarri | 2015–18 | — | Style and identity influence |
| Pesaola | 1960s–80s | — | Cultural legend, emotional impact |
Final Thoughts
In this article, SanaaGoal has set out to find the most successful Napoli manager — and while Napoli’s history is filled with beloved figures and tactical visionaries, Antonio Conte emerges as the definitive champion: fast, decisive, record-setting. Whether you measure by trophies, legacy, or sheer impact, Conte now writes his chapter in Naples’ storied lore.
