Empoli might have put the final nail in Rudi Garcia’s coffin, with Napoli reportedly preparing to relieve the Frenchman of his duties. According to Il Roma (via CN24), Aurelio De Laurentiis has finally run out of patience for the underperforming manager after another embarrassing result at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Aurelio Andreazzoli upheld his superb managerial record against Napoli as Empoli shocked the Maradona Stadium with a late 1-0 win. Ex-Spezia man Viktor Kovalenko scored a beauty off the bench to inspire relegation-fighting Gli Azzurri to a stunning victory in southern Italy.
But more importantly, Empoli might have cast the end of Garcia’s dreadful tenure. The former Roma boss barely escaped the chopping block after Union Berlin held Napoli to a 1-1 draw in midweek Champions League action. This defeat could prove the end of the road, though.
Despite narrowly keeping hold of the last Champions League qualification spot going into the international break, Napoli may need a miracle to defend the Scudetto. They’re already eight points behind current leaders Juventus. The gap could increase if Inter beat Frosinone tonight.
A lack of available managers is perhaps the only saving grace for Garcia. However, known for his exuberant nature, De Laurentiis may not care much. Napoli need every encouragement they can get to weather this storm, and a managerial shift could be a spark to reinvigorate the struggling Serie A champions.
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