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Napoli coach apologizes to fans after lackluster loss at Empoli worsens title defense
Napoli’s struggles continue as they suffered a 1-0 loss to Empoli, leaving them at risk of missing out on European qualification. With only five rounds remaining, Napoli sits in eighth place, 34 points behind Inter Milan. Coach Francesco Calzona apologized to fans for the team’s lackluster performance, emphasizing the need to work on their pride. Empoli’s Alberto Cerri scored early in the match, securing the win. Napoli’s disappointing season has seen them struggle to replicate their title-winning form from last year. The team’s inconsistency under three different coaches has been a cause for concern.
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ROME — Napoli’s title defense is going from bad to worse.
The team’s third coach this season apologized to fans following a disheartening 1-0 loss at relegation-threatened Empoli on Saturday that left Napoli at risk of failing to qualify for Europe.
Napoli remained in eighth place, a whopping 34 points behind leader Inter Milan with only five rounds remaining.
“We need to work on our pride — more than tactics at this point,” Napoli coach Francesco Calzona said. “I want to apologize to Napoli’s fans.”
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Alberto Cerri scored four minutes in with a header for Empoli, which moved four points clear of the drop zone.
Napoli’s only shot on goal came midway through the second half when Kvicha Kvaratskhelia slalomed past two defenders before launching his effort. Empoli goalkeeper Elia Caprile pushed the shot wide.
“Empoli came out with ferociousness. We came out soft and were timid,” Calzona said. “It’s inconceivable but it’s my responsibility. Evidently, I didn’t transmit the desire to give our all.”
Empoli’s Alberto Cerri, left, celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal of the game during the Serie A soccer match between Empoli and Napoli at the Empoli Stadium in Empoli, Italy, Saturday, April 20, 2024. Credit: AP/Marco Bucco
Napoli has struggled all season and never found the form that led the Partenopei to their first Italian league title in more than three decades a year ago.
“This teams needs to do more. We owe it to the city and we owe it to the club, because they pay us and we need to assume responsibility,” Calzona said. “It’s my fault and the players’ fault, because the club lets us do our jobs without any issues. Our fans follow us home and away and we always have a full stadium. We have everything in place to do well and we’re not able to. That’s really upsetting to me.”
Napoli has won just three of nine Serie A matches since Calzona replaced Walter Mazzarri in February. The club won four out of 12 under Mazzarri and six of 12 under Rudi Garcia, who was hired after title-winning coach Luciano Spalletti left after last season.
Later, Hellas Verona was hosting Udinese in a matchup of teams who are one point above the relegation zone.
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Napoli’s turbulent season took another disappointing turn as the team suffered a lackluster 1-0 loss to Empoli, leaving their title defense in shambles. The defeat, which marked Napoli’s third coach this season, pushed them further away from European qualification and left fans disheartened.
Following the defeat, Napoli coach Francesco Calzona issued a heartfelt apology to the fans, acknowledging the team’s poor performance and lack of pride on the field. The coach stressed the importance of working on their mentality and commitment, rather than just tactics, in order to turn their season around.
Empoli’s Alberto Cerri scored early in the match, putting Napoli on the back foot from the start. Despite a late effort from Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli failed to make a significant impact in the game, with Empoli goalkeeper Elia Caprile denying their only shot on target.
Calzona admitted that Napoli had been outplayed by a determined Empoli side, highlighting the team’s lack of intensity and aggression. The coach took full responsibility for the defeat, expressing his disappointment in the team’s inability to deliver results despite the support from the club and fans.
Napoli’s struggles this season have been evident, with the team failing to replicate the form that led them to their first Serie A title in over three decades. Calzona emphasized the need for the players to step up and take accountability for their performances, acknowledging the high expectations placed on them by the club and supporters.
Since taking over from Walter Mazzarri in February, Calzona has faced challenges in getting Napoli back on track. The team’s inconsistent form under his leadership has raised questions about their ability to compete at the top level, especially after the departure of title-winning coach Luciano Spalletti last season.
As Napoli continues to falter in the Serie A standings, the pressure is mounting on Calzona and his players to deliver results in the remaining matches of the season. The coach remains determined to instill a sense of pride and determination in the team, urging them to give their all for the city and the club.
In a league where every point matters, Napoli must regroup quickly and find a way to salvage their season before it’s too late. The fans deserve better, and it’s up to the players to rise to the occasion and show their true potential on the field.
Overall, Napoli’s disappointing loss to Empoli serves as a wake-up call for the team as they face a challenging road ahead in their quest for redemption. With five rounds remaining in the Serie A season, Napoli must dig deep and find the resilience to overcome their setbacks and finish the season on a positive note.
