Giovanni Manna has confirmed Napoli tracked Franco Mastantuono but decided Real Madrid 's terms made a deal unworkable, while leaving open the possibility of an amicable parting with Frank Anguissa .
With quotes courtesy of Il Napolista , the sporting director spoke to DAZN before the clash with Fiorentina .
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NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 14: Giovanni Manna SSC Napoli sports director as Massimiliano Allegri is unveiled as the new SSC Napoli head coach at Teatro di San Carlo on July 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
The Cameroonian's contract situation is unresolved, and Manna was candid about where it stands.
"Dialogue happens with the agents. I spoke to them at the end of August. I talk to Frank every day, if we manage to find an arrangement that works, good, otherwise he has given a lot and there are no problems in separating," he said. "Frank is inside it and focused on the season. You have to contextualise the technical moment. He has had a niggle, you need patience and calm. There are small knocks. He is relaxed and we are relaxed. There is mutual trust."
On Noa Lang , who has looked revitalised in recent weeks, Manna was encouraging without overstating it. "Noa is working well, he can and must do more, he has important qualities. Today he has a big chance."
NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Noa Lang of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Juventus FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 07, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
He was warmer still on Costantino Favasuli, whose assist set up Stanislav Lobotka 's winner against Bologna . "Favasuli is a lad with great mentality, he has done his apprenticeship and made sacrifices. These lads always manage to give something. He has to stay focused and keep working."
The Mastantuono question drew the clearest answer of the interview. "We followed Mastantuono in his River days, then in the first season we had to consolidate the squad. We liked the player and we still do, we spoke with the agents, but it is clear that Real were selling him on their terms and, for a club like Napoli, that is not functional at this moment."
Manna also addressed Nicolo Fagioli , now at Fiorentina. "We have to restart from Fagioli. He has the quality we look for so much, innate quality. I am fond of him, I am attached to him, I hope he does well for the national team, we need him."
