Walter Mazzarri, who succeeded Rudi Garcia, has been released by Napoli. In the context of ongoing struggles in the Italian league, the club is contemplating a second coaching change, especially with a crucial Champions League match against Barcelona in the round of 16 approaching. Italian media reports hint at the possible dismissal of coach Walter Mazzarri before the first leg, following a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against Genoa on Saturday.
Taking over as Napoli coach in November, succeeding Rudi Garcia, Mazzarri’s tenure has been marked by difficulties, managing only 15 points in 12 Serie A matches, performing worse than his predecessor. Garcia, dismissed after accumulating 21 points in 12 matches, had Napoli positioned fourth in Serie A, trailing leader Inter Milan by 10 points. Currently sitting in ninth place, Napoli is 27 points behind Inter, falling outside the European qualifying spots.
Historically, post-World War II, a defending champion finishing 20 points or more behind the Serie A champion has occurred only five times. Juventus holds the record, concluding 24 points behind AC Milan in 1962, a year after winning the title.
Napoli’s current performance starkly contrasts with their victorious Serie A title last season, both at home and in Europe. Following Luciano Spalletti’s year-long sabbatical and subsequent appointment as Italy’s national team coach, Garcia took charge this offseason.
Francesco Calzona, a former assistant under Spalletti and main assistant during Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli tenure, is likely to assume the managerial role. Currently coaching Slovakia, Calzona played a crucial role in their qualification for this year’s European Championship. This marks Calzona’s first head coaching role, and reports suggest he will be granted a contract until the end of the season, with the flexibility to continue his duties as Slovakia’s coach concurrently.
