Francesco Calzona, thrust into the spotlight as Napoli’s new coach just three days ago, faces a daunting task: guiding his team to victory against Barcelona in the Champions League. Despite the whirlwind preparation, Calzona demands “a great deal” from star striker Victor Osimhen, recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona kicks off tonight at 20.00 GMT, marking the culmination of a turbulent period for Napoli. After sacking both Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri, the club handed the reins to Calzona with minimal time to prepare.
“It all happened very fast,” Calzona admitted to Amazon Prime Italia. “But I want us to take the initiative. We have the potential, and Barcelona, despite being strong, will face pressure. We must react as a team.”
While new to the head coach role, Calzona is no stranger to Napoli, having served as assistant manager under Sarri and Spalletti. He left in 2022 to coach the Slovakian national team, a position he’ll maintain alongside his Napoli duties.
“I learned from great teachers,” he said, mentioning Eusebio Di Francesco alongside Sarri and Spalletti. “My approach incorporates their footballing ideas, creating a unique blend.”
Adding to the pressure, tonight also marks Osimhen’s return after his Africa Cup absence. “I expect a lot from him,” Calzona declared. “He’s world-class and assured me he’s in good shape.”
As a former assistant manager, Calzona is familiar with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis’ hands-on approach, including his occasional locker room visits. “I have no issue with that,” Calzona stated. “He didn’t ask for anything specific, but we have shared objectives. He knows my vision, and if he wants to visit the locker room, he’s welcome.”
Can Calzona, despite the limited preparation, inspire Napoli to victory against Barcelona? And will Osimhen deliver the performance Calzona expects? The answers will unfold in tonight’s crucial Champions League clash.