M
MishaelKip
Guest
Earlier in the season, Rudi Garcia was let go after just 16 matches, with Napoli trailing the leaders by 10 points. Walter Mazzarri took over, but Napoli's position in the standings has only worsened since then, with a considerable 26-point gap to Inter Milan at the top.
Of particular concern is the fact that Bologna is now nine points ahead of Napoli in fifth place, a spot that could lead to Champions League qualification. While Garcia managed eight wins and four defeats in his 16 games, Mazzarri has recorded six wins and seven losses in 17 fixtures, including a recent 1-0 loss to AC Milan on February 11 and a 1-1 draw with Genoa.
With Napoli now sitting ninth in Serie A, it seems president Aurelio De Laurentiis is considering yet another change in management. Talks are set to happen on Monday to decide whether Mazzarri will continue in his role for the first leg of Napoli's Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona this week.
In addition, there's speculation from Relevo journalist Matteo Moretto that Calzona could step in if Mazzarri is replaced. Moretto suggests that Napoli legend Marek Hamsik would join Calzona's coaching staff.
Calzona recently led Slovakia to Euro 2024, with an impressive record of seven wins and only three defeats in his 14 matches in charge. If he takes over at Napoli, he would continue in his role with Slovakia.
Although Calzona's potential appointment might come as a surprise, he's no stranger to Napoli, having served as assistant manager to Maurizio Sarri from 2015 to 2018 and as technical coach to Luciano Spalletti from 2021 to 2022. He's also worked with various other clubs in Italy, including Empoli and Cagliari.
