Napoli name Mazzarri as new manager after Garcia dismissal

Napoli announced the appointment of former manager Walter Mazzarri as their new manager on Tuesday.

The 62-year-old replaces Rudi Garcia after Empoli's defeat left last season's champions with 21 points, 10 behind leaders Inter Milan.

Napoli have lost three of their first 12 league games, with the other two coming at home to Lazio and Fiorentina, and sit fourth, two points behind third-placed AC Milan and eight behind second-placed Juventus.

The disappointing start to the season reached a climax on Sunday, when Napoli lost 1-0 at home to Empoli, as Garcia's tactics failed to produce a result against the team currently ranked 17th in the league.

Garcia took over at Napoli in June after Luciano Spalletti resigned after winning the club's first Scudetto since 1990, but they are now in danger of falling behind in the title race this season.

Napoli were unbeaten in Serie A at the same point last season, with 10 wins and two draws.

Mazzarri returns to Napoli for a second stint after leading the club from 2009 to 2013.

He finished sixth in his debut season in 2009-10 before helping Napoli qualify for the Champions League group stage the following season.

SportsLigue