Francesco Calzona might not be at the helm of Napoli next season, but even if he leaves, he’ll carry fantastic memories. The Slovakia national team coach signed a short-term contract at the Diego Maradona Stadium in February.
It was Aurelio De Laurentiis’ last-ditch attempt to salvage a disappointing season. However, Calzona, the self-proclaimed Napoli fan since his childhood, has failed to outperform his predecessors, Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri, with Partenopei at risk of missing out on European football next term.
Widely expected to leave the charge at the end of the season, Calzona has five games to haul back a three-point deficit on sixth-placed Lazio and help Napoli avoid becoming the worst champions in Serie A history. First in line is a mammoth home clash against high-flying Roma on Sunday.
Calzona spoke to the press in the build-up, explaining his relationship with De Laurentiis and acknowledging the well-documented attention the city has for Napoil.
“He is always polite and never intrusive. I’m happy with the relationship I have with him,” Calzona said, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio. “I’ve been following Napoli since I was a child. It’s a pride to coach this club
“Although we live in a bad time, when you walk down the street everyone encourages you with a pat on the back. It doesn’t happen everywhere.“
Calzona might have fulfilled his dream by being appointed a Napoli manager, but the club is, indeed, in deep waters. Perhaps Sunday’s encounter against Roma could be a turning point.
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