Napoli is facing a trophy-less season after a disappointing turn of events following their previous successes in Serie A and the Champions League. The club's downfall began with a controversial decision regarding coach Luciano Spalletti's contract extension.
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis unilaterally exercised Spalletti's option year via a certified email, leading to Spalletti's resignation. This move was met with backlash as Spalletti felt disrespected and promptly left the club. The departure of director of football Cristiano Giuntoli further destabilized Napoli's management.
Subsequent coaching appointments, including Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri, failed to yield positive results, with Napoli slipping to 10th place in Serie A. The team's struggles were exacerbated by a string of poor performances and embarrassing defeats, culminating in Mazzarri's dismissal.
De Laurentiis attempted to address the team's woes by signing new players in January, but the changes did not yield immediate improvements. Additionally, the decision to exclude midfielder Piotr Zielinski from the Champions League squad raised questions about the club's handling of player contracts and morale.
The managerial carousel continued with Francesco Calzona's appointment as interim coach, despite his lack of experience in professional club football. Napoli's recent struggles mark a stark contrast to their previous decade of success, highlighting the impact of poor decision-making at the management level.
De Laurentiis, known for his business acumen and football acumen, has come under scrutiny for the club's recent decline. The once model club now faces uncertainty as they navigate a challenging season marred by internal turmoil and on-field struggles.
