Napoli ready to test Gianfranco Zola's resolve with summer offer

Gianfranco Zola could be offered a way out of his West Ham nightmare next summer by ambitious Italian side Napoli.

The Serie A club sacked former Italy manager Roberto Donadoni yesterday with Walter Mazzarri appointed in his place.

Donadoni had only been at the club for seven months but Napoli's owner Aurelio De Laurentiis wants quick results and is believed to be already eyeing up the unsettled Zola - still fondly remembered in southern Italy following his time as a player at the club.

Reports of Zola's frustrations with the Hammers hierarchy could make De Laurentiis confident of getting his No1 target next summer.

However, Zola has denied falling out with the club's chief executive Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani - and should the club's current owners, CB holdings, find the buyer they are seeking the situation could change.

Former Birmingham City owner David Sullivan and managing director Karren Brady are believed to be interested in taking control of the east London club, however they are yet to agree a price.