Napoli has terminated the contract of manager Walter Mazzarri after a brief tenure of three months and appointed Slovakia’s Francesco Calzona as his replacement.
Napoli’s decision to dismiss manager Walter Mazzarri comes after a relatively short stint of just three months, succeeding Rudy Garcia in November. Despite Mazzarri’s appointment, Napoli finds themselves in a challenging position, currently positioned ninth in Serie A.
Francesco Calzona, the current head coach of Slovakia, has been chosen as Mazzarri’s successor. Calzona’s appointment reportedly extends until the conclusion of the season, with the additional responsibility of overseeing Slovakia’s national team.
Aurelio de Laurentiis, the owner of Napoli, acknowledged Mazzarri’s efforts during what he described as a turbulent period for the team. The decision to replace Mazzarri underscores the club’s ambition to regain momentum and secure a stronger position in Serie A.
Despite the managerial transition, Napoli faces a significant challenge ahead as they prepare to take on Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie scheduled for Wednesday. The outcome of this crucial match could significantly influence the club’s trajectory for the rest of the season.
Calzona’s coaching experience includes his recent role as Slovakia’s head coach, a position he assumed in August 2022. Under his leadership, Slovakia achieved qualification for the upcoming European Championship in Germany, reflecting his ability to guide teams to success on the international stage.
Prior to his appointment as Slovakia’s head coach, Calzona served as an assistant coach at Napoli, working alongside renowned managers such as Maurizio Sarri and Luciano Spalletti. His familiarity with the club’s dynamics and Serie A could prove beneficial as Napoli navigates through a critical phase of the season.
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