Luciano Spalletti has been awarded the 2023 Enzo Bearzot Award for his outstanding work with Serie A leaders Napoli. The prize, previously won by Roberto De Zerbi, Roberto Mancini and Carlo Ancelotti, honors the best Italian coach of the year and is decided by a jury of representatives from the country’s major sports newspapers. According to Football Italia, Spalletti received the award on Friday in Naples, recognized for Napoli’s electrifying performances this season.
The Partenopei are now only weeks away from clinching their first Scudetto in more than three decades and could even add a Champions League triumph to their achievements. Speaking at the ceremony, Spalletti reflected on his work at Napoli and his expectations for the squad. “When you see the images of Napoli and Maradona, you are forced to absorb a certain pressure; it is part of the love and passion of the people. Here you live for football, but this is still a time for work. I made a pact with the team and they understand it very clearly. Then we’ll see if we celebrate,” he said.
He highlighted the versatility of defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo, noting, “In modern football Di Lorenzo can perform multiple tasks in various roles. He builds up play with quality, drops into midfield when needed, and makes forward forays that threaten the opponent’s line.” Spalletti added that the individual qualities of each player contribute to the collective strength of the team, concluding, “I tell the youngsters that if you go to school, you dribble better.”
Finally, Spalletti expressed his amazement at reaching the Champions League quarter‑finals with Napoli: “It’s an experience you have to live fully; it has never happened to me in 64 years! Even the players must be careful—these matches are of incredible beauty.”
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