Napoli have reappointed Walter Mazzarri as manager after sacking Rudi Garcia.

Frenchman Garcia, 59, took over from Luciano Spalletti in the summer shortly after the Italian guided the Partenopei to their first Serie A title for 33 years.

But the champions suffered their third league defeat of the season against Empoli on Sunday and they have now turned to former boss Mazzarri, who managed them between 2009 and 2013.

Announcing his return, chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Welcome back Walter!"

Mazzarri, 62, has been out work since leaving Cagliari in 2022, having also spent time in charge of Inter Milan and Watford.

He led the club to second place in Serie A in 2012-13 and also won the Coppa Italia during his time in Naples.

Defending last season's title already looks unlikely, with fourth-placed Napoli 10 points adrift of leaders Inter.

Arresting their home slump will be a key issue to address for the Italian, with Napoli on a five-game winless run at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in all competitions.