Napoli Secure Emanuele Rao and Arrange Loan Move to Bari

Napoli have finalized the signing of young forward Emanuele Rao on a five-year contract after he left SPAL, with plans for him to join Bari in Serie B on loan for the 2025/26 season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Emanuele Rao, an 18-year-old attacker born in 2006, has agreed to join Napoli as a free agent following his departure from SPAL. Rao, who can play across the frontline, caught the attention of several Serie A clubs after turning in solid performances last season. He tallied six goals in 67 appearances for SPAL and built a reputation as one of the most promising young players in Italy’s third tier. To aid his development, Napoli will send Rao on loan to Bari, where he is expected to gain valuable playing time in Serie B next season.

NAPOLI, BARI AND RAO’S RECENT FORM

Napoli won the Serie A for the 2024-25 season after a turbulent campaign. They are now looking to add more youth to their squad as they prepare for a fresh start under new management. Rao’s previous club, SPAL, struggled in Serie C, and the forward spent the end of the campaign with limited minutes but still finished with a respectable five goals from 37 games. Bari narrowly avoided relegation from Serie B and will hope that Rao can boost their attack as they look to stabilize in the division.

According to a previous report, Napoli won the Serie A for the 2024-25 season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR RAO AND THE CLUBS?

Rao’s loan to Bari gives him a chance to adapt to a higher level and prove himself for a future role at Napoli. Napoli’s next league match is the Serie A opener with Antonio Conte’s team looking to start with the right foot. Bari will begin their Serie B campaign hoping to climb the table after last year’s struggles. If Rao impresses, he could return to Napoli as an option for their first team in the 2026/27 season.