Di Laurentiis Gears Up to Replace Mazzarri: Potential Names Echo in Naples

Troubled waters are stirring along the shores of the Bay of Naples, shrouded in a murky almost ominous aura. Walter Mazzarri, under scrutiny for weeks at the helm of Napoli, faced another setback this Saturday at San Paolo. The last-minute draw against Genoa (with Genoa leading 1-0 in the 90th minute) added fuel to the fire at the reigning Serie A champions.

The recognizable team led by Spalletti, which secured the ‘Scudetto’ more than 30 years later, now feels like a distant memory. Glancing at the Serie A table reveals Napoli trailing by 27 points from the top and nine points away from Champions League positions.

No Change of Course

As reported by SPORT yesterday, Aurelio Di Laurentiis is contemplating the possibility of parting ways with the veteran Italian coach. Mazzarri, who took over in November, succeeding Rudi García, has failed to enhance the team’s performance. Currently, the shattered Neapolitan side is left with only the Champions League.

The eccentric owner of Napoli, as per Italian sources, is considering several names to replace the outgoing coach. One of them is a familiar face to the Blaugrana, none other than Julen Lopetegui, who recently turned down an offer from Crystal Palace.

The other two candidates are relatively lower-profile figures: Francesco Calzona, the current coach of Slovakia, and Marco Giampaolo, formerly with Milan and Sampdoria. The name of Fabio Cannavaro has also surfaced in the discussions.

Di Laurentiis’ Trigger

While it’s likely that Di Laurentiis’ frustration may not lead to an immediate dismissal before the Champions League match, providing Mazzarri with one last chance, the atmosphere within San Paolo was tense. The prevailing sentiment in the locker room suggests that the coach might face the axe. The upcoming hours will reveal the fate of Mazzarri.

It seems that the atmosphere in Barcelona remains relatively tranquil compared to the brewing storm in Naples.