Walter Mazzarri eyes change in Napoli’s fortunes ahead of return to Torino

Walter Mazzarri wants reigning Serie A champions Napoli to buck the trend of recording underwhelming results and kick on in 2024, starting with a positive result at his former club Torino on Sunday.

The Azzurri claimed a first Scudetto since 1990 last season but are now languishing down in eighth after losing four of their last seven games, with last week’s goalless draw at home to Monza summing up the current sense of malaise in Naples.

Defending their crown may look a tall order, with leaders Inter Milan already 20 points better off, but Mazzarri just wants to start delivering better performances for the fans.

Mazzarri: “Mazzocchi? Felice del suo arrivo e della sua carica”

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He said at a press conference: “I would like the trend to be reversed in 2024 and I am confident that in the new year we can do better than we did in the last chunk of the league schedule.

“I’m sorry the team are in this situation because against Monza we created so many opportunities and deserved to win. Unfortunately we failed, not in terms of creativity but with our finishing.”

Mazzarri was the driving force behind Napoli when they re-established themselves in the top flight during his original four-year tenure and the 62-year-old still has a strong feeling of unfinished business at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

“Personally, I feel at home in Naples, and the thing that makes me feel bad is not having been able to do so far what I achieved in my first stint,” he said.

“I feel indebted to the fans, who show me love on a daily basis. I will try to convey this same feeling to my players and I am convinced that the positive turning point will come soon.”

Torino are in their familiar mid-table slot, lying 10th after a four-match unbeaten run ended at Fiorentina last time out.

Raoul Bellanova has been a breakout star for Il Toro this term and next on his agenda is a senior Italy call-up.

The 23-year-old wing-back told Gazzetta: “It depends how well I do here in Turin. Right now I’m trying to give my all for the team.

“I think I’ve improved a lot compared to the start of the season, when I didn’t feel comfortable. It took me a while to get into the rhythm of the team but now I’m feeling confident.

“The next decision belongs to (Italy boss Luciano) Spalletti but I hope it happens because that is my dream.”