Napoli president De Laurentiis picks Walter Mazzarri as new coach

Following Napoli’s poor start to the season, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has chosen Walter Mazzarri as the team’s new head coach.

This was revealed by transfer pundit, Fabrizio Romano, via a tweet on X, on Tuesday.

“Walter Mazzarri, new Napoli head coach. Agreement sealed — valid until June 2024.

“Former Inter and Watford manager has signed the contract — set to be unveiled as new coach today. Mazzarri replaces Rudi Garcia,” Romano tweeted.

Rudi Garcia’s tenure as the club’s manager came to an abrupt end after the team’s recent 1-0 loss to Empoli.

Despite just four months in charge, the disappointing result is said to have been the climax, prompting the decision to part ways with the manager.

While Igor Tudor was initially considered a front-runner, negotiations stalled over contract details. But surprisingly, Mazzarri emerged as a better alternative.

The 62-year-old gaffer who previously managed Napoli from 2009 to 2013, is set to meet with De Laurentiis to finalize the details of his reported seven-month contract.

Mazzarri is reportedly content to take on a temporary role as the team’s head coach until the end of the season.

His acceptance of a lower salary compared to Tudor’s demands, is said to have won him the appeal as the chosen successor.