These are uncertain times for soon-to-be-former Serie A champions Napoli, with tensions running high within the southern club. Frustration boiled over during Saturday’s disappointing 1-1 home draw against promoted Genoa.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli center-back Leo Ostigard had a heated bust-up with interim manager Maurizio Sarri during halftime. The altercation between the pair escalated when the Italian coach informed the ex-Genoa man that he would be subbed off at the break.
Napoli desperately needed three points against Alberto Gilardino’s side to whittle down the distance on the Serie A top four. However, after a goalless halftime, Mazzarri wanted to change something to reignite his side’s pursuit of only their second win in four league matches.
Mazzarri’s decision didn’t sit well with Ostigard, who had picked up a yellow card midway through the first half. Disturbed by his manager’s choice, the Norwegian defender confronted him in front of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
De Laurentiis came down to the dressing room to encourage Napoli players during the interval. But his pep-talk failed to come to fruition as Genoa took the lead only two minutes into the second half. Cyril Ngonge’s 90th-minute equalizer salvaged some pride for Partenopei.
It was hardly a consolation strike as another underwhelming result left Napoli stranded in mid-table. Mazzarri’s job is at risk ahead of the upcoming Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona.
There’s a feeling that anything other than a triumph in that match-up would accelerate his exit.
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