Napoli fell to a disheartening 2-0 defeat at Roma on Saturday as their terrible defending Serie A campaign suffered another hit. Walter Mazzarri’s men have dropped out of the European spots after a dismal streak of three defeats in their last four league outings.
Less than two months after taking Rudi Garcia’s place in the hot seat at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Mazzarri finds himself under intense pressure. Napoli bigwig Aurelio De Laurentiis has a reputation as a notoriously impatient club president, suggesting the experienced tactician could already be fighting for his life.
Mazzarri’s future as a Napoli manager will be on the line next Friday when mid-table Monza touch down in southern Italy for their last top-flight fixture of 2023. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Stanislav Lobotka and Natan will not be in contention for the matchday squad after picking up injuries against Roma.
Lobotka cracked his rib, while Natan requires special treatment for a dislocated shoulder. With Mazzarri’s two trusted allies ruled out injured, the under-fire Napoli boss faces a selection nightmare. Given the reigning holders’ indifferent form, injuries to first-team regulars were the last thing the 62-year-old needed amid these dark times.
But it gets worse. Short-staffed Partenopei lost Matteo Politano and Victor Osimhen to suspension as the frustrated duo received marching orders at the Stadio Olimpico. Mazzarri’s depleted attack failed to get on the scoresheet in the capital. Considering Monza’s defensive stubbornness, Napoli could struggle to find the net on Friday.
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