When Barcelona plays Napoli in the first leg of their Round of 16 UCL match this Wednesday, it could be the biggest game of the year.
After a long absence, Barça has returned to the UCL knockout stages. For Xavi’s team, it may therefore be crucial to make a good impression in the opening leg.
But Napoli won’t be an easy opponent; the Partenopei are notable for having won the Serie A championship the previous season. But a lot has transpired since then.
After assisting Napoli in winning the first championship in thirty years, Luciano Spalletti left. After a poor start to the season, Rudi Garcia was brought in as a replacement, but he was fired after four months.
Barca News claims that Walter Mazzarri was brought in by Napoli to take Garcia’s place. Even so, the Italian hasn’t been able to significantly improve Naples, where the team is currently occupying mid-table positions.
Napoli’s Thoughts In Replacing Mazzarri Ahead Of Barcelona Tie
Actually, some startling rumors about Walter Mazzarri’s future are surfacing from Italy, and they could have a big impact on Barcelona.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Napoli is thinking of firing Mazzarri before their Champions League matchup with Barcelona.
It is important to remember that Napoli had been very patient with Mazzarri, despite the fact that this does seem like an impulsive move on their part. But out of 17 games this season, the Italian has only been able to win six of them.
In addition, Napoli has only triumphed in one of their previous five competitive games, which is concerning for their chances of beating Barcelona.
Therefore, Napoli is prepared to make a significant change in an effort to energize the team.
Francesco Calzona Brought Up As A Replacement
Romano continues by saying Francesco Calzona is already Napoli’s backup plan.
The 55-year-old had previously worked for Napoli as a technical coach and an assistant. He is the Slovenian national team’s head coach at the moment.
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Romano implies that Calzona is prepared to go once Napoli fires Mazzarri because he has already accepted the job offer there. Marek Hamsik, a legend of Napoli, would rejoin the coaching staff as part of the agreement.
Later today, a final decision about this managerial change will be made.
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