Calzona Lifts Lid on Napoli's Post-Scudetto Meltdown

Picture this: you've just helped Napoli lift the Scudetto under Luciano Spalletti, the city's buzzing, and then... poof, it all goes pear-shaped. That's the wild tale spilled by Francesco Calzona, now Slovakia's gaffer, chatting on Radio Kiss Kiss. As reported by Susy Campanale at Football Italia, the man who stepped in as Napoli's interim boss reveals a dressing room more toxic than a dodgy kebab after closing time.

Calzona was Spalletti's trusty assistant during that glorious 2022/23 title charge. But when the main man scarpered, sensing the magic couldn't be bottled twice, Calzona stayed on before juggling the Napoli gig with his Slovakia duties from February to June last year. He admits he'd jump back into the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona hot seat tomorrow – Napoli's in his blood, like.

A Squad on the Brink of Mutiny

Stepping into the fray, Calzona found a right mess. Players itching for the exit, dodgy signings who couldn't hack it, and a general vibe of 'get me out of here'. Those five or six new faces? Frozen out by season's end, not up to the Partenopei's lofty standards post-title.

"Everyone was eyeing the door by June," he reckoned. Issues between the squad and suits upstairs didn't help. It was less 'Forza Napoli' and more 'Forza Exit Strategy'. Calzona calls it a "wonderful experience" despite the carnage – bloke's got thicker skin than a centre-back's shins.

Superstars Sulking on the Sidelines

Now, the juicy bits. Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian hitman who'd just penned a new deal, barely saw a training pitch. He'd signed with a wink-wink that he'd be flogged in the summer, but deals with half of Europe collapsed. Cue a loan to Galatasaray in September – talk about a Turkish delight turning sour.

Then there's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georgia's wizard on the wing. Not happy at all, pushing for a PSG move that only happened in January this year. Calzona paints a picture of grumbling and unhappiness rippling through the camp. No wonder they limped to 10th in Serie A, churning through three managers like bad dates.

Calzona during his Napoli stint – photo vibes from Florence last May.

Love for Napoli Despite the Drama

Despite the chaos – Osimhen ghosting sessions, Kvara moping, and a club in turmoil – Calzona's affection shines through. "Napoli's my home," he insists. It's like breaking up with an ex who trashes the flat on the way out; you still miss the good times.

This behind-the-scenes peek explains Napoli's tumble from champions to mid-table mediocrity. Fans knew it was rough, but hearing it from the horse's mouth? Gold dust. Calzona's Slovakia side might keep him busy, but Partenopei punters will hope he means that return call.

Word on the street is the club's steadying the ship now, but last season's circus act was a proper wake-up. If you're a Napoli die-hard, grab a coffee and weep-laugh through this one. Football, eh? Never dull.