When Walter Mazzarri was guiding an exciting Napoli side into the Champions League group stages for the first time a decade ago, the Italian tactician looked to be on the same trajectory as many of his players.
But while Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi and a certain Edinson Cavani would retain their place at the top of European football for a good few years – the latter still going strong as Manchester United’s number seven – it has been a while since we’ve seen Mazzarri operating on such a lofty stage.
Since being sacked by Inter Milan seven seasons ago, the Tuscan-born 59-year-old has endured a forgettable stint at Watford and 25 months at the helm of Torino – his tenure ending in February 2020 with a dismal 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Lecce.
So it’s difficult to work out how we should feel about reports claiming Mazzarri has set his sights on the vacant managerial post at Celtic (Sunday Post).
Gary Hooper, Thomas Rogne and Georgios Samaras were all wearing green and white when Mazzarri was transforming Napoli into Serie A contenders, barking orders from the sidelines in scenes straight out of Top Gun.
During the best part of a decade, a fifth-place finish at Inter and Europa League qualification with Torino is the closest Mazzarri has come to genuine success in the dugout. His short-lived spell at Watford ended with nine defeats in 13 games.
Then again, there aren’t many managers within Celtic’s reach who could arrive in Glasgow with a glowing recommendation from a genuinely world-class footballer on their CV.
Mazzarri, unlike Eddie Howe, Mick McCarthy, Dan Petrescu and co, has worked with the very best at elite level – and left quite an impression too.
“We all have beautiful memories of him,” Cavani, who scored 104 goals in 138 games under Mazzarri, told Tuttosport in 2018 (Football Italia).
“I keep beautiful images of the time we spent together in Italy in my heart. I remember it with great affection.
“He’s a great guy.”
A great guy maybe – but a great manager? A mixed track record – and a nine-year trophy drought – means Celtic supporters are right to be wary.
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