Napoli have parted ways with manager Walter Mazzarri just three months into his tenure, a day before their crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona.
Mazzarri took over from Rudy Garcia in November but leaves with Napoli currently sitting ninth in Serie A.
The Italian club has swiftly appointed Francesco Calzona, the current Slovakia national team coach, as Mazzarri’s replacement. Calzona, 55, previously served as Napoli’s assistant manager under Maurizio Sarri and Luciano Spalletti. His contract with the club is set until the end of the season.
Calzona, who will lead Slovakia at Euro 2024, has an existing contract with the Slovakian national team until 2025. The Slovak Football Association acknowledged the unconventional decision but stressed Calzona’s deep ties to the Italian champions and their desire to support him during this challenging period.
Club owner Aurelio de Laurentiis, thanked Mazzarri for his contributions during a “tricky period.” The club’s decision to make a managerial change just before a crucial Champions League match against Barcelona has fueled anticipation.
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Having clinched the Serie A title with 90 points in the previous season, they currently find themselves in the ninth position with 36 points. This places them 27 points behind league leaders Inter Milan. Notably, the team have already doubled the number of losses compared to the previous season already recording eight defeats with 14 more matches to go.
With Calzona taking the reins temporarily, the hope is that the experienced coach can turn the tide for Napoli as they seek to make an impact in both domestic and European competitions.