Gazzetta: Napoli give Mazzarri last chance against Barcelona as Giampaolo emerges

NAPLES, ITALY - FEBRUARY 17: Walter Mazzarri SSC Napoli head coach shows his disappointment during the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC - Serie A TIM at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 17, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Gazzetta reports that Walter Mazzarri could be sacked if Napoli offer another disappointing performance against Barcelona in the Champions League and Marco Giampaolo is among his possible successors.

Napoli are performing as the worst Serie A champions in nearly 60 years and the decision to replace Rudi Garcia with Walter Mazzarri in November hasn’t paid off.

The Partenopei were held to a 1-1 draw by Alberto Gilardino’s Genoa on Saturday, so the Stadio Maradona crowd booed players and coach Mazzarri after the final whistle.

Napoli will host Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday, and according to Gazzetta, it is the last chance Mazzarri has to save his job.

Sunday’s printed edition of the pink paper on page 18 claims WM will likely be sacked if his team offer another disappointing performance against the La Liga giants next week.

Mazzarri has signed a contract until the end of the season and is expected to leave in June, regardless of Napoli’s final placement in Serie A.

However, if he’s sacked after the Barcelona game, he could be replaced by ex-Milan and Sampdoria boss Marco Giampaolo, who, according to Gazzetta and DAZN, is an option for the defending Serie A champions as an interim coach.