Napoli made a pivotal decision to dismiss head coach Rudi Garcia after overseeing 16 games, installing former manager Walter Mazzarri until the season’s end. Garcia, a 59-year-old Frenchman, assumed his role in June but exits the team trailing league leaders Inter Milan by 10 points in Serie A.

Mazzarri, aged 62, briefly led Watford in the 2016-17 Premier League season before parting ways due to contract termination. Notably, he previously managed Napoli from 2009 to 2013, leaving a notable legacy.

During his tenure, Mazzarri guided Napoli to their first trophy in two decades, securing the 2012 Copa Italia after defeating unbeaten league champions Juventus in a thrilling final. His leadership propelled the team to a remarkable second-place finish in Serie A the following year, marking the club’s highest league standing in over 20 years, along with securing a spot in the prestigious Champions League.

Garcia took the reins as Napoli’s boss following Luciano Spalletti’s departure, who had steered the club to their first league title in 33 years before taking a hiatus from the sport.

As of now, Napoli currently occupies the fourth spot in the league standings. However, a recent defeat against 17th-placed Empoli intensified pressure on Garcia, who managed a record of eight wins, four draws, and four defeats during his tenure.