Mazzarri eyes new year change in Napoli’s fortunes
Walter Mazzarri wants reigning Serie A champion Napoli to buck the trend of recording underwhelming results and kick on in 2024, starting with a positive result at his former club Torino on Monday (AEDT).
The Azzurri claimed a first Scudetto since 1990 last season but are now languishing down in eighth after losing four of their past seven games, with last week’s goalless draw at home to Monza summing up the current sense of malaise in Naples.
Defending their crown may look a tall order, with leader Inter Milan already 20 points better off, but Mazzarri just wants to start delivering better performances for the fans.
“I would like the trend to be reversed in 2024 and I am confident that in the new year we can do better than we did in the last chunk of the league schedule," Mazzarri said.
“I’m sorry the team are in this situation because against Monza we created so many opportunities and deserved to win. Unfortunately we failed, not in terms of creativity but with our finishing.”
Mazzarri was the driving force behind Napoli when it re-established itself in the top flight during his original four-year tenure and the 62-year-old still has a strong feeling of unfinished business at the club.
“Personally, I feel at home in Naples, and the thing that makes me feel bad is not having been able to do so far what I achieved in my first stint,” he said.
“I feel indebted to the fans, who show me love on a daily basis. I will try to convey this same feeling to my players and I am convinced that the positive turning point will come soon.”
Torino is in its familiar mid-table slot, sitting 10th after a four-match unbeaten run ended at Fiorentina last time out.
Raoul Bellanova has been a breakout star for Il Toro this term and next on his agenda is a senior Italy call-up.
The 23-year-old wing-back told Gazzetta dello Sport: “It depends how well I do here in Turin. Right now I’m trying to give my all for the team.
“I think I’ve improved a lot compared to the start of the season, when I didn’t feel comfortable. It took me a while to get into the rhythm of the team but now I’m feeling confident.
“The next decision belongs to (Italy boss Luciano) Spalletti but I hope it happens because that is my dream.”
