When Napoli hosts Barcelona at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in the UEFA Champions League first round of 16 on Tuesday, Victor Osimhen will find himself playing under a new manager.

Following a series of disappointing performances that saw Napoli slip to 9th place on the league table with just one win in their last four games, the club has parted ways with Walter Mazzarri. In his place, Italian and Slovakian manager Francesco Calzona has been appointed.

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Napoli announced Calzona’s appointment, who previously served as a technical coach for the team between 2021 and 2022, with a tweet: “Francesco Calzona is the new head coach of Napoli. Welcome, Francesco!”

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis conveyed the decision to sack Mazzarri through a statement, expressing gratitude for his support during a challenging period. He also welcomed Calzona back, noting his previous tenure with the club alongside Maurizio Sarri and Luciano Spalletti.

“I thank Walter Mazzarri, a friend of the De Laurentiis family and of Napoli, for supporting the team in a complex moment. It will remain in the hearts of Neapolitans and our family. Welcome back to Francesco Calzona, who has already worked with us with both Sarri and Spalletti.”

Calzona, who has prior experience working with Victor Osimhen during Spalletti’s tenure, will aim to maximize the potential of the Super Eagles striker in his new role as manager.