A year ago, Napoli was at the top, on course for their first league title since 1990, but now the reigning champions of Italy find themselves in a deep crisis. The change of coach has not yet proven to be the solution to the disappointing performances, but for now, it seems Walter Mazzarri will remain in charge.
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Napoli's recent 3-0 defeat against Torino has exacerbated concerns about the team's current form and direction.
This loss, their sixth under the stewardship of Walter Mazzarri, surpasses the tally of defeats they suffered under his predecessor, Rudi García, who was relieved of his duties in November. Despite Mazzarri's previous successful tenure with Napoli from 2009 to 2013, his return hasn't yet yielded the positive turnaround many had hoped for. In response to the team's struggles, technical director Mauro Meluso publicly backed Mazzarri, even amidst reports of tensions between the coach and some players in the locker room.
The disappointment and frustration among Napoli's fanbase were palpable during the match against Torino. The traveling supporters expressed their discontent by throwing fireworks onto the pitch, signaling a deep-seated unrest with the team's performances. Acknowledging the team's troubles, Meluso offered an apology to the fans on DAZN, conceding that the squad had become "somewhat unrecognizable." In an effort to stem the tide of poor results, the club is contemplating measures to rejuvenate the team's morale, including the possibility of a training camp designed to fortify team spirit and resolve.
Adding to Napoli's challenges, the team was without their top scorer, Victor Osimhen, who is currently participating in the Africa Cup with Nigeria. Additionally, key midfielder André-Franck Zambo Aguissa was also absent due to his involvement in the same tournament. Former Napoli player Ciro Ferrara emphasized the need for the club not to hide behind these absences as excuses for their lackluster performances. He highlighted the team's apparent lack of confidence and resolve, remarking on the visible fear in their play.
Amidst these turbulent times for Napoli, Antonio Conte, a former successful coach of Juventus and Internazionale and Ferrara's ex-teammate, was spotted in the stands at Stadio Grande Torino. Conte, known for his tactical acumen and success at the highest levels of club football, reportedly expressed openness to a future collaboration with Napoli. This revelation comes after Conte was previously mentioned as a potential replacement for García in October, though he reportedly turned down an offer from Napoli's president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, to take over mid-season.
The situation at Napoli remains a complex puzzle, with the team facing not only tactical and performance-related issues but also a need to rebuild confidence and unity. The possibility of Conte's future involvement adds an intriguing dimension to the narrative, potentially heralding a new chapter for the club if he were to assume a role in the summer.
