Napoli Appoint Former Watford Boss Mazzarri After Garcia’s Dismissal

SSC Napoli has made the unexpected decision to terminate the contract of head coach Rudi Garcia. This choice follows a string of unsatisfactory outcomes that have left the current Serie A champions in fourth position, trailing Inter Milan, the league leaders, by a notable 10 points. As an interim solution, Walter Mazzarri has been appointed as the temporary head coach until the conclusion of the season.

Garcia, who assumed the position from Luciano Spalletti in June, initially showed great potential during his time at Napoli. Starting with two back-to-back wins against Frosinone and Sassuolo, the team’s defense of their title seemed promising. However, their performance quickly declined, managing only four victories in their next 10 matches. The final blow came in a devastating defeat against struggling Empoli, during stoppage time, on their home ground.

In an effort to improve the team’s fortunes, Napoli has appointed Mazzarri as their coach once again. Mazzarri previously served as the club’s manager from 2009 to 2013. During his initial tenure, he successfully guided Napoli to their first trophy in two decades by defeating Juventus in the final of the 2012 Copa Italia. In the 2012-13 season, he led the team to a runner-up position in the league, finishing only nine points behind Juventus.

Following his departure from Napoli, Mazzarri assumed control of Inter and made a short appearance in the Premier League with Watford, where he effectively ensured the club remained in the top division. Nevertheless, his contract was terminated, prompting his return to Serie A with Torino and subsequently Cagliari. Now, he has returned to Napoli for a second time, aiming to reproduce his prior achievements. Mazzarri will face his first challenge as the recently appointed head coach with an away game against Atalanta, who currently hold the fifth position in the league. This will be followed by an eagerly awaited encounter against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The supporters of Napoli are eagerly anticipating Mazzarri’s ability to transform the team’s fate and guide them back to the summit of the Serie A standings.