Walter Mazzarri made a shock return as Napoli manager on Tuesday (Nov 14) after Rudi Garcia fell victim to a dismal start to the Italian champions' Serie A title defence.

Walter Mazzarri made a shock return as Napoli manager on Tuesday (Nov 14) after Rudi Garcia fell victim to a dismal start to the Italian champions' Serie A title defence. Garcia lasted just five months at Napoli after replacing Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, failing to inspire a team which had kept almost all the stars of last season's first Scudetto since 1990. Napoli are 10 points behind league leaders Inter Milan in fourth and have been in turmoil for weeks as May's historic title triumph began to increasingly look like a one-off. Garcia, 59, was fired after Sunday's 1-0 home loss to Empoli was greeted by a deluge of boos and whistles from supporters, whose joy at being reigning Italian champions has vanished. Reports of his dismissal emerged almost immediately after that defeat, Napoli's fourth at home in all competitions this season. The announcement of Mazzarri's Napoli return after a decade away, reportedly on a deal until the end of the current campaign, initially came via owner Aurelio De Laurentiis. The movie mogul simply wrote "Welcome back Walter!" on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the club confirmed Garcia's sacking. De Laurentiis was visibly irked by that display in the pouring rain in Naples, as was injured star striker Victor Osimhen. But fans are also pointing the finger at De Laurentiis, whose decision it was to replace Spalletti with a man whose stock has fallen dramatically since being sacked by Roma in early 2016. Garcia, who won Ligue 1 with Lille in 2011, was fired from his previous job at Al Nassr in April not long after the Saudi Arabian club signed Cristiano Ronaldo in a deal worth tens of millions of dollars. He was previously a losing Europa League finalist with Marseille in 2018 and took Lyon to the semi-finals of the Champions League two years later. Also read | Football: Eleven Germans arrested on eve of Napoli vs Union Berlin Champions League clash Fan anger De Laurentiis has long had a difficult relationship with Napoli supporters, in particular with the hardcore fans who were in open revolt for much of last season over high ticket prices and bans on drums, flags and banners. The 74-year-old also owns Bari and before the start of that historic campaign fans were imploring him to sell up and go full-time at the second-tier club. Dissatisfaction with team displays and the ownership will bring added pressure to Mazzarri, who helped return southern Italy's biggest club to the upper echelons of Italian football in his first four-year spell. The 62-year-old guided Napoli to the 2012 Italian Cup, beating undefeated league champions Juventus in the final to win the club's first trophy in over two decades. He left in May 2013 after finishing second in Italy's top flight with a thrilling team which boasted Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsík and Edinson Cavani in attack. Mazzarri took over at Inter Milan shortly afterwards but was sacked in November that year and his career has since taken a downward turn, with uninspiring spells at Watford, Torino and Cagliari leaving him a surprising choice ahead of Igor Tudor. Former Croatia defender Tudor, who won two Serie A titles with Juventus as a player, took Marseille to third in Ligue 1 last season but left the long-troubled club "for professional and private reasons". Tudor also did an excellent job the previous season at Verona, who finished ninth after he took over from sacked Eusebio Di Francesco early in that campaign.

Serie A: Manager Rudi Garcia fired by Napoli as Walter Mazzarri makes shock return

In a tragic turn of events, a 26-year-old lost his life in the early hours of Friday morning after being wounded in the wild celebrations in Naples after its soccer team became Serie A champions for the first time in 33 years, as per local officials.

According to the police, the man died in Cardarelli Hospital in Naples.

UK media outlets linked the death of the individual to celebratory gunshots, whereas, Reuters, citing Naples Prefect Claudio Palomba, said the incident had “nothing to do with the celebrations” and linked it to score-settling within the local Camorra mafia.

On Thursday evening, thousands of Napoli supporters took to the streets to celebrate the club's win. After the Napoli team secured the "Scudetto" title with a 1-1 draw away at Udinese in northeast Italy, mass street partying, followed by fireworks, flares, horns and firecrackers, began.

"Even those who don't follow football took to the streets to celebrate. I am not a supporter, but I took to the streets for a sense of belonging to this wonderful city, which has so much to offer," a Naples resident, who gave her name only as Federica, told Reuters.

According to Naples health authorities, at least 203 people accessed emergency services overnight, including 22 with "red-level" critical injuries and 75 with "yellow-level" serious but not life-threatening conditions.

<h2>Scuffles between Napoli and Udinese fans after match</h2>

As per Italy's news agency, on Thursday, post-match brawls broke out in Udine as Napoli fans ran onto the stadium pitch to celebrate with players.

The reports further added that the fans then encountered aggressive home supporters armed with belts and batons.

According to RAI public television reports, anti-riot police interceded to break up the fights, and reportedly six fans sustained non-serious injuries.

<h2>Napoli's historic triumph</h2>

Napoli finally ended their long wait to win Italy's Serie A on Thursday after a 1-1 draw at Udinese secured their third league title with a record-equalling five games to play.

Victor Osimhen scored the decisive goal in the second half as Napoli's current stars came back from behind to Sandi Lovric's opener at half-time and emulated the teams led by Diego Maradona which won the league in 1987 and 1990.

Spalletti and his squad will receive an emotional welcome when they return to Naples, where the partying is set to continue until at least their next home fixture against Fiorentina on Sunday evening.

"Seeing Neapolitans happy is enough to give you a sense of that joy they are feeling," Spalletti told DAZN on the verge of tears.

"These people will look to this moment when life gets hard, they have every right to celebrate like this. You feel a bit more relaxed knowing that you've given them this moment of happiness."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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In a tragic turn of events, a 26-year-old lost his life in the early hours of Friday morning after being wounded in the wild celebrations in Naples after its soccer team became Serie A champions for the first time in 33 years, as per local officials.

In a tragic turn of events, a 26-year-old lost his life in the early hours of Friday morning after being wounded in the wild celebrations in Naples after its soccer team became Serie A champions for the first time in 33 years, as per local officials. According to the police, the man died in Cardarelli Hospital in Naples. UK media outlets linked the death of the individual to celebratory gunshots, whereas, Reuters, citing Naples Prefect Claudio Palomba, said the incident had “nothing to do with the celebrations” and linked it to score-settling within the local Camorra mafia. On Thursday evening, thousands of Napoli supporters took to the streets to celebrate the club's win. After the Napoli team secured the "Scudetto" title with a 1-1 draw away at Udinese in northeast Italy, mass street partying, followed by fireworks, flares, horns and firecrackers, began. "Even those who don't follow football took to the streets to celebrate. I am not a supporter, but I took to the streets for a sense of belonging to this wonderful city, which has so much to offer," a Naples resident, who gave her name only as Federica, told Reuters. According to Naples health authorities, at least 203 people accessed emergency services overnight, including 22 with "red-level" critical injuries and 75 with "yellow-level" serious but not life-threatening conditions. Scuffles between Napoli and Udinese fans after match As per Italy's news agency, on Thursday, post-match brawls broke out in Udine as Napoli fans ran onto the stadium pitch to celebrate with players. The reports further added that the fans then encountered aggressive home supporters armed with belts and batons. According to RAI public television reports, anti-riot police interceded to break up the fights, and reportedly six fans sustained non-serious injuries. Napoli's historic triumph Napoli finally ended their long wait to win Italy's Serie A on Thursday after a 1-1 draw at Udinese secured their third league title with a record-equalling five games to play. Victor Osimhen scored the decisive goal in the second half as Napoli's current stars came back from behind to Sandi Lovric's opener at half-time and emulated the teams led by Diego Maradona which won the league in 1987 and 1990. Spalletti and his squad will receive an emotional welcome when they return to Naples, where the partying is set to continue until at least their next home fixture against Fiorentina on Sunday evening. "Seeing Neapolitans happy is enough to give you a sense of that joy they are feeling," Spalletti told DAZN on the verge of tears. "These people will look to this moment when life gets hard, they have every right to celebrate like this. You feel a bit more relaxed knowing that you've given them this moment of happiness." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Mafia revenge killing? Napoli fan dies after sustaining wounds from celebratory gunshots

As Naples painted in blue, Neapolitans waited for the weekend Serie A matches, hoping to celebrate their third Scudetto on Sunday (April 30).

Runaway Serie A leaders Napoli could seal their third Scudetto in record fashion this weekend if they beat lowly visitors Salernitana and second-placed Lazio drop points at Inter Milan.

Their clash with Salernitana was moved to Sunday from Saturday (April 29) for security reasons, authorities said late on Thursday (April 27).

Earlier in the day, eager fans watched the city gear up for a celebration it hasn't enjoyed since the Argentine soccer legend, Diego Armando Maradona, was at his peak more than 30 years ago.

"It is very emotional because we were in our twenties the last time we won the title," resident Giuseppe told Reuters as he showed a photo of the city decorated for celebrations of the second title 33 years ago.

As Neapolitans already celebrate the third Scudetto -- literally "shield" -- as the Italian league title is known, many see it as revenge on the wealthy northern cities of Turin and Milan, whose teams Juventus, Inter, and AC Milan have dominated Serie A for the past three decades.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/none-have-spoken-up-vinesh-phogat-launches-scathing-attack-on-indian-cricketers-amid-wrestlers-vs-wfi-row-586924">'None have spoken up': Vinesh Phogat launches scathing attack on Indian cricketers amid wrestlers vs WFI row</a>

"We are living a big dream because our generation has been waiting for such success for years. Taking the title from the shirts of such a strong team (referring to AC Milan) and winning it here in the south, in Naples," a Naples resident Antonio said.

If Napoli wins the title, the first celebrations will take place in the Maradona stadium on Sunday, Italy's Ansa news agency reported, adding additional police forces will be deployed in the city to maintain security.

With the title inevitable for Napoli at some point in the season, it will see Italia with four different champions in four years. The Italian title was last defended in 2020 when Juventus won their ninth consecutive Scudetto.

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As Naples painted in blue, Neapolitans waited for the weekend Serie A matches, hoping to celebrate their third Scudetto on Sunday (April 30). Runaway Serie A leaders Napoli could seal their third Scudetto in record fashion this weekend if they beat lowly visitors Salernitana and second-placed Lazio drop points at Inter Milan.

As Naples painted in blue, Neapolitans waited for the weekend Serie A matches, hoping to celebrate their third Scudetto on Sunday (April 30). Runaway Serie A leaders Napoli could seal their third Scudetto in record fashion this weekend if they beat lowly visitors Salernitana and second-placed Lazio drop points at Inter Milan. Their clash with Salernitana was moved to Sunday from Saturday (April 29) for security reasons, authorities said late on Thursday (April 27). Earlier in the day, eager fans watched the city gear up for a celebration it hasn't enjoyed since the Argentine soccer legend, Diego Armando Maradona, was at his peak more than 30 years ago. "It is very emotional because we were in our twenties the last time we won the title," resident Giuseppe told Reuters as he showed a photo of the city decorated for celebrations of the second title 33 years ago. As Neapolitans already celebrate the third Scudetto -- literally "shield" -- as the Italian league title is known, many see it as revenge on the wealthy northern cities of Turin and Milan, whose teams Juventus, Inter, and AC Milan have dominated Serie A for the past three decades. ALSO READ | 'None have spoken up': Vinesh Phogat launches scathing attack on Indian cricketers amid wrestlers vs WFI row "We are living a big dream because our generation has been waiting for such success for years. Taking the title from the shirts of such a strong team (referring to AC Milan) and winning it here in the south, in Naples," a Naples resident Antonio said. If Napoli wins the title, the first celebrations will take place in the Maradona stadium on Sunday, Italy's Ansa news agency reported, adding additional police forces will be deployed in the city to maintain security. With the title inevitable for Napoli at some point in the season, it will see Italia with four different champions in four years. The Italian title was last defended in 2020 when Juventus won their ninth consecutive Scudetto. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Serie A: Naples ready for Napoli's coronation as fans get ready for big celebration ahead of title clincher

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Serie A: Manager Rudi Garcia fired by Napoli as Walter Mazzarri makes shock return

Mafia revenge killing? Napoli fan dies after sustaining wounds from celebratory gunshots

Serie A: Naples ready for Napoli's coronation as fans get ready for big celebration ahead of title clincher