Napoli's president confirms the team's new coach

Francesco Calzona will replace Walter Mazzarri. He will be the team's third coach this season and his first appearance with Barcelona

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed Sky Sports The club's new coach arrives this Monday: “Walter Mazzarri is a family friend and it is always painful to send a friend away. I also thanked him for his willingness to help us in our time of difficulty.

“Now we have to give space and support to Francesco Calzona, who has already worked with us [Maurizio] Sari and [Luciano] Spalletti knows 80% of this group.” The 55-year-old was coach of Slovakia (they faced Portugal in the Euro 2024 qualifying round) and was previously assistant coach of Napoli.

After Rudi Garcia, Walter Mazzarri will also be sacked by Aurelio De Laurentiis; Francisco Calzona will be the new coach and could be on the bench for the match against Barcelona on Wednesday

“Only time will tell if this is the right choice. “We will try to help him, starting by preparing for the challenge against Barcelona.” Napoli will play Blaugrana Next Wednesday, February 21, in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

Calzona thus replaces Walter Mazzarri at Napoli, who has achieved only six wins in 17 matches. Before him, Rudi Garcia achieved eight victories in 16 matches. As a result of these poor results, the current Italian League champion occupies ninth place in the championship.