3 potential managerial replacements for Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli  

Carlo Ancelotti's position as manager of Napoli is at risk following a series of poor results. Tension is building in Naples after Ancelotti's men failed to get past struggling AC Milan at San Siro on Saturday.

Napoli have now failed to win any of their last six games in all competitions, their worst run since March 2013. The club’s poor run has seen them slump to seventh in the Serie A table, 11 points behind leaders Juventus.

Rumors surfaced last month that Ancelotti could quit or even be fired as Napoli manager after players rebelled against their president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

The team mutiny came after a string of poor results, which led to club president organizing a training camp - something, which was outrightly rejected by the players.

The club responded with a strongly-worded statement saying they would take legal action against their players and would hold Ancelotti solely responsible for the decision not to head to the training retreat.

Things got worse when Ancelotti refused when Ancelotti refused to conduct a post-match press conference after his team drew against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League, with De Laurentiis reportedly saying of the manager’s choice: “I don’t agree with the decision.”

In the midst of a mutiny and poor form, Ancelotti's days at Napoli look to be numbered. Let’s then take a look at three possible candidates that could take over from the struggling manager.

1. Massimiliano Allegri

Allegri enjoyed a great deal of success as Juventus manager

Former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was spotted among the spectators at San Siro on Saturday, fuelling speculation that he’s being lined up for the job at Napoli.

The 52-year-old Italian is currently without a club after resigning from Juventus at the end of last season. Allegri’s impeccable record has made him an ideal candidate to take the hot seat at Napoli. In five years at Juventus, he won five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias and two Champions League runner-up medals.

The question won't be about Napoli's interest, but whether Allegri is prepared to take the managerial seat at the Stadio San Paolo. But if he were to take the job, then it would be an intriguing destination.

2. Luciano Spalletti

Spalletti left Inter after two years in charge

Luciano Spalletti could be another potential dark horse to land Ancelotti's job at Napoli. Spalletti has been out of work since Inter sacked him in the summer. He has a contract with Inter until 2021 worth €5 million per season.

The 60-year-old has plenty of experience managing in Serie A. Spalletti clinched back-to-back Coppa Italia titles with Roma in 2007 and 2008, as well as winning the Russian Premier League with Zenit in 2010 and 2011.

Spalletti’s two seasons with Inter was fruitful, with him guiding the club to successive top-four finishes in Serie A for the first time since 2010-11. However, his lack of success in the Champions League could count against him.

3. Gennaro Gattuso

Former Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso is also being considered by Napoli

Gennaro Gattuso would be an interesting appointment, given his limited managerial experience. Gattuso’s impressive results with the Rossoneri helped him land the job permanently and signed a contract until 2021.

However, the former Italy international stepped down as AC Milan manager after just 18 months, citing the need for a break from the game.

"Deciding to leave Milan's bench is not easy. But it's a decision I had to make.

"There was not a precise moment in which I made it, it was the sum of these 18 months as coach of a team that for me will never be like the others. Months that I lived with great passion, unforgettable months.

"Mine is a painful but thoughtful choice.

"Am I giving up a two-year contract? Yes, because my story with Milan can never be a question of money."

"I've barely slept in the past 18 months, mentally I'm in pieces." said Gattuso.

With a record of 40 wins and 22 draws from 82 games, the 41-year-old is in with a massive shout to land the Napoli post. But can he handle pressure of managing one of Europe's elite in Napoli?