Luca Marianucci Set for Napoli Switch After Empoli Breakthrough

Luca Marianucci is set to become Napoli’s first signing of the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old defender is due to have his medical next Tuesday before signing a five-year contract.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Napoli reached an agreement with Empoli for Marianucci back in March. The talented center-back was initially due to undergo his medical this week, but the appointment was postponed for logistical reasons. It is now set for June 10 in Rome. The final transfer fee is reported to be €9 million. Marianucci made 24 appearances for Empoli in all competitions in the 2024-25 season, recording two assists in his debut Serie A campaign. Napoli, Serie A champions in 2024-25, see Marianucci as a key figure in their defensive rebuild ahead of the new season .

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS

Marianucci’s arrival marks an early start to Napoli’s transfer business as they look to strengthen following their league title victory. Empoli narrowly avoided relegation as they finished in 14th place last season. Marianucci had established himself as a regular starter under coach Roberto D’Aversa. Napoli had one of Serie A’s strongest defences in the last campaign, but they face busy schedules with domestic and European games on the horizon. Marianucci joins a squad aiming to retain their title and make a deeper run in the Champions League. His development at Empoli has made him one of Italy’s most promising young defenders .

WHAT’S NEXT FOR NAPOLI AND MARIANUCCI?

Once the medical is completed and the contract is signed, Marianucci will join Napoli in pre-season training. The team’s next official fixture is expected to be the Italian Supercoppa, where they will face the Coppa Italia winners, in August. Napoli finished the season with 85 points, narrowly edging out Inter and Juventus. Empoli, Marianucci’s former club, will look to rebuild after ending the campaign just six points above the relegation zone. Napoli will now focus on integrating Marianucci and pursuing further defensive reinforcements, with Bologna’s Sam Beukema also on their radar .