Calzona slams Napoli’s fragility after Atalanta loss

Napoli coach Francesco Calzona admits the team's vulnerability and emphasizes that defensive issues are not the only concern following a 3-0 loss at home.

Calzona Bursts Into Anger
Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images

Napoli coach Francesco Calzona acknowledges that the team is vulnerable and emphasizes that the defence is not the primary issue.

Speaking to DAZN after a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the Stadio Maradona, Calzona admitted that Napoli’s chances of qualifying for the next season’s Champions League are all but gone, trailing nine points behind 4th-placed Bologna, who also have a game in hand.

Calzona remarked, “There are merits from a strong side, but also our demerits. We are fragile and it’s not okay.”

Despite the dwindling chances of Champions League qualification, Calzona urged the team to keep moving forward and strive for improvement. He stressed that the defensive line is not the sole problem; the entire team is grappling with issues.

Acknowledging the ongoing struggles at Napoli, Calzona highlighted the numerous changes in coaching staff and players, suggesting that a more stable environment was needed for better performance. He lamented the significant gap from the previous season’s form but expressed resignation, stating, “Unfortunately, we can do nothing about it.”

Napoli performance and stats

Napoli

Manager: Francesco Calzona
Rank 10th
Win 13
Draw 13
Loss 11
Goals 55-48
Diff 7
Rank 2nd
Win 3
Draw 1
Loss 2
Goals 10-9
Diff 1

Napoli is currently 7th in the Serie A with 45 points.

In the last 30 games, it has won 12 times, drawn 9 times, and lost 9 times. In its last match, Napoli lost 0-3 against Atalanta.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 44 goals and conceding 36.​