Walter Mazzarri has vowed to stay at Napoli and will be offered a new one-year contract extension, Partenopei president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed.
Mazzarri guided Napoli to the Champions League knockout stage in 2011-12 and ended the club’s 20 year-wait for a Coppa Italia triumph, though a fifth-place Serie A finish meant his side failed to book a return to Europe’s top table next season.
Reports in the Italian media had suggested the former Sampdoria and Reggina boss might be ready to leave the Stadio San Paolo, with Fiorentina and Roma mooted as possible destinations, but De Laurentiis insists Mazzarri is in “perfect harmony” with Napoli.
“I had a meeting with Mazzarri and I’m very satisfied,” De Laurentiis told Gazzetta dello Sport. “We have spoken at length and analysed the season while also setting the basis for next season.
“We are in perfect harmony in order to bring about the project so we can have a positive season. I have also started negotiations in order for Mazzarri to extend his contract with the club for a further season.”
Mazzarri, whose current deal expires in 2014, promised to make some key additions to his playing squad in the summer, though his biggest challenge may be holding on to star attacking trio Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi.
“With the president, we share the need to continue to work for the growth of Napoli,” Mazzarri said. “We will make a few signings to reinforce the team, taking into consideration the financial fair play model as well as the opportunities the market will offer.”
