Napoli's legal chief has warned FIGC over their plans for Luciano Spalletti.
Spalletti remains on contract at Napoli, despite stepping down as coach at the end of last season, and is now wanted by FIGC for the Italy post.
But the club's lawyer Mattia Grassani told Radio Punto Nuovo: “Napoli didn't demand compensation after Spalletti decided to terminate his contract early, but the coach said he would not carry out any activity in 2023-24 and this is valid for clubs and national teams.
“Napoli had to protect themselves with financial compensation if the coach had not respected the agreement. There is no anti-competition clause, there is no difference between clubs and national teams.
“After nearly one week of rumours, Spalletti hasn't yet called De Laurentiis or Napoli.
“Neither he nor his lawyers did so and this must give food for thought. Respecting the rules is fundamental for any subject.
“The clause is not such a simple matter. It's something agreed upon at the end of lengthy negotiations in a seven-page document signed by Spalletti, Napoli and the lawyers of both parties.
“I understand the position of other clubs who do not want to see a club get public money. The federation belongs to everyone but it has no role in this situation. They could only pay the release clause through a third party, a sponsor, or even Spalletti.
“He deserves to coach the national team, he is a more than adequate candidate. However, we signed an agreement on July 18, 2023, and it can't be questioned after barely one month. It allowed Spalletti to be free, so it must be respected totally and not partially."