Reja: I spoke with Napoli president De Laurentiis - his choice to hire Calzona

Former Napoli coach Edy Reja is delighted with the return of Francesco Calzona.

Calzona has turned results around at Napoli since his appointment to replace former coach Walter Mazzarri.

Reja told Radio Marte: "With the victories against Sassuolo and Juventus a bit of serenity has finally arrived. A lot has changed in Napoli, especially in mentality and in the way of playing thanks to Calzona: Ciccio was good at recovering Napoli, saving a ship that was a bit in disarray, making us see something of the team of the past again.

"Before, it wasn't the team we were used to seeing. We still need to improve, there is the possibility of growing, but the path is the right one. De Laurentiis's was the right choice and he always has these happy intuitions.

"When I saw and read that there was the possibility of signing Calzona I immediately thought that it was the best possible choice. I didn't recommend it, we spoke with the president a couple of times during this difficult period but the hiring of Calzona was his idea, so much so that when he did it he surprised me positively because I hadn't imagined this solution.

"He made a courageous choice, perhaps thinking that it couldn't have been worse than what he was doing. Mazzarri was also unlucky, having had a team with many injured players. Then Napoli had clear athletic problems. Let's say that, with respect for everyone's work, some time was wasted, a shame."