Check out today’s latest news from Serie A, including Napoli’s decision to replace Walter Mazzarri with Francesco Calzona and Inter’s preparations for their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
Aurelio De Laurentiis has decided that enough is enough in the Campania capital, sacking Mazzarri following the team’s 1-1 draw with Genoa on Saturday, a result that leaves them ninth in the Serie A table.
Replacing the veteran tactician is Slovakia manager Calzona, who will carry out a double role in charge of both the national team and Napoli, signing a contract until the end of the season. He’ll oversee their coming Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Olympique Marseille decided to dismiss Gennaro Gattuso as well, ending his brief adventure in France. A Serie A return could be on the horizon for the former Milan and Napoli boss.
Milan star Rafael Leao has avoided a calf injury following his recent issue and will be part of Stefano Pioli’s squad for their coming games with Stade Rennais and Atalanta.
Inter are ready to face Atletico in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie at San Siro. Francesco Acerbi, Juan Cuadrado and Stefano Sensi are all unavailable for the Nerazzurri, but Tajon Buchanan is an option following his arrival last month.
Nerazzurri coach Simone Inzaghi reflected on the team’s ‘magical nights’ in Europe last term, their desire to repeat that run this campaign and the dangers of Atletico in his lengthy pre-match press conference.
Alessandro Del Piero hinted at his possible return to Juventus in the near future, acting cryptic when asked about the future of Massimiliano Allegri, who he admitted was ‘excellent’ on the bench in Turin last term.