Meet Calzona: Napoli’s New Coach Making His Debut Against Barcelona

A tumultuous situation is brewing at Napoli. Aurelio De Laurentiis reached his breaking point after another disappointing draw against Genoa last Saturday. Frustrated with Walter Mazzarri’s performance, the Napoli president made a bold decision late on Sunday, choosing to part ways with the veteran Italian coach.

Mazzarri, tasked with reviving Napoli’s fortunes, has struggled to improve upon the team’s lackluster performance under Rudi García. Compelled by De Laurentiis to adopt the 4-3-3 formation that propelled Spalletti to Serie A success last season, Mazzarri has been unable to reverse the team’s fortunes, even experimenting with the 3-5-2 setup.

Napoli, along with Empoli, currently stands as the least scoring team in Serie A in 2024, finding the net only six times. The absence of Osimhen due to injury has undeniably contributed to the team’s offensive struggles.

In response to the crisis, the eccentric Napoli owner has opted for an internal solution, choosing someone familiar with the club’s dynamics. Francesco Calzona, a known figure within Napoli, has been selected to take charge.

JUGGLING THE ROLES Currently serving as the Slovakian national team coach, Calzona met with Napoli’s top executive this morning to finalize the terms of his contract. Initially viewed as a temporary fix until the end of the season, Calzona’s appointment may also involve the arrival of Napoli legend Marek Hamsik. Slovakia’s football authorities have given their approval for Calzona to juggle both roles.

Calzona previously served Napoli in two stints as an assistant coach, accumulating nearly 150 matches alongside Maurizio Sarri and sharing the 2021/22 season with Luciano Spalletti. In July 2022, he took over as the head coach of the Slovakian national team, leading them through 14 matches and securing qualification for the upcoming Euro 2024 in Germany.

FAMILIAR FACE TO THE SQUAD Several Napoli players are familiar with Calzona, having worked with him in the past. For instance, Gio Simeone had Calzona as his coach at Cagliari. While he enjoys support from the squad, the real test awaits as he transitions to the role of the head coach.

Known for his modern playing style, Calzona favors the 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing offensive, proactive football with a focus on vertical play and building from the back. It remains to be seen whether he can implement and sustain this style at Napoli, considering the potential influences of De Laurentiis.