Watford handed Walter Mazzarri the opportunity to manage in the Premier League during the 2016/17 campaign and, despite bossing the likes of Serie A heavyweights Napoli and Inter Milan during an illustrious career in the dugout, the Italian tactician has exclusively told GIVEMESPORT that some of his favourite memories came while in charge at Vicarage Road.
Having been confirmed as Quique Sanchez Flores' successor in May 2016, the now-63-year-old steered the Hornets to top flight safety in what proved to be his only season in the job, while eye-catching victories were registered against the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal along the way.
Mazzarri has been away from the hot-seat since his second spell at the helm of Napoli came to an end in February 2024 and, having spent time with his family at their Tuscany home, he has been reflecting on his career and pondering when to dive into a fresh challenge in his homeland or overseas.
Mazzarri Enjoyed Spell at Vicarage Road Helm
Walter Mazzarri while in charge of Napoli
Mazzarri had been seeking an opportunity to test himself in new surroundings for close to two years when Watford came calling, having left Inter Milan in November 2014. The then-Premier League side, under the ownership of the Pozzo family, were prepared to take a chance on him despite his lack of English.
The Hornets' first win following the alteration in the dugout came in September 2016, when they bounced back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 4-2 victory at West Ham United. Another three points came against Manchester United just a week later, which spearheaded the side towards safety.
Watford successfully avoided relegation to the Championship and Mazzarri built a fruitful relationship with the fanbase, but he was still sacked in May 2017. Despite that setback, he looks back on his time at Vicarage Road with great fondness and is adamant that their struggles since his departure highlight his achievements at the helm.
Speaking exclusively to GMS, he said:
My experience at Watford, especially looking back, was exceptional because we finished 17th in the standings. We beat Everton, Manchester United and won at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. We were the surprise of the season. For a club of that size, it was something incredible.
"We secured safety well in advance, with six games still to play. We already had 40 points, so the players - who were not used to fighting for certain objectives - eased off a little. We saved ourselves, I repeat, with six games left and already 40 points. This experience shaped me, helped me grow as a coach and, above all, gave so much to my career.
"After my time at Watford, I saw that several important coaches were sacked, many in the same year, and then the team was relegated. I think what we achieved was really a feat - to have that kind of season, reach 17th place and secure safety with six games to spare.
"The whole year I had at Watford was almost unique because before me and after me there were always two or three coaches in a single season. The year after, Watford were relegated. It was certainly one of the best years in the club's history and, looking back today, one of the best in my career.
Walter Mazzarri's managerial statistics
"There were many special moments - the victory against Manchester United, the win at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal and the victories against Everton and Leicester City as well. It was a remarkable year. We fought against teams and achieved goals that no-one thought possible.
"The fans even made a banner for me that covered most of the stand - all of it was truly beautiful. It was an unforgettable year that I will never forget. It was an experience that gave me a lot, just as I believe I gave a lot to Watford."
Premier League Money Unlike Anywhere Else
Walter Mazzarri in the Napoli dugout
Mazzarri's time at Watford allowed him to see first-hand how far ahead the Premier League is compared to other leading divisions across the continent, thanks in large part due to the amount of cash being pumped in through broadcasting deals and other sponsorship opportunities.
He spent time managing further down the pyramid in his homeland before guiding Livorno to Serie A promotion, while stints followed with the likes of Sampdoria, Napoli and Inter Milan in the top flight. But managing in England was an entirely different ball game because of the budget he had to work with at Vicarage Road and the level of competition.
"For me, the Premier League is definitely the best league in the world," added Mazzarri. "There are great teams and players, huge competitiveness and, above all, there is also greater investment. I remember when I was at Watford, a team in the lower part of the Premier League table. Sky gave us more or less the same amount of money it gave to Juventus in Italy.
"When there is more wealth, you can bring in more champions, do things better, and the league becomes stronger, more competitive and more important. Also, there are new stadiums in England that are always full. The atmosphere when you play in the Premier League is just incredible."
Mazzarri Still Targeting a Managerial Return
Walter Mazzarri in the Napoli dugout
Although Mazzarri has been out of the game for more than a year, he has a solid CV. As well as guiding Livorno into Serie A during the early stages of his managerial career, he won the Coppa Italia with Napoli, finished second in the top flight and sealed Champions League qualification.
He has received several job proposals in recent seasons, mainly from Iran, while he has also refused to rule out the possibility of returning to work in Italy. Saudi Arabia has been publicly confirmed as an attractive destination, along with other countries in the Middle East, but he is holding out for the right opportunity.
"At this stage of my career, I don't have any specific goals, especially as I've already achieved so many good things," admitted Mazzarri. "We'll see what the future brings. More than anything, I need to feel motivated. I need to have a plan, a cause, something that drives me to accept a new challenge.
"I am convinced that I will fulfil the objectives of the club that signs me. Otherwise, it's better to stay where I am. I've realised that if I'm just a coach and don't pay attention to the details - the club, the project, the ambitions and the objectives - I could face more difficulties.
"It's not that I'm someone who can coach any club. More than anything, I need to understand the club's ideas and the project. Everything has to be very clear to me. I can coach a team that is fighting for titles, fighting for mid-table or fighting for survival.
"I can work in any place in the world as well. The important thing is to have a clear understanding of the type of project the club has, the way it operates, the strategy for the transfer market and the objectives."
Mazzarri is targeting a return to management during the current campaign, with the thought of taking on a role midway through the season not fazing him, and he has prepared for any offers by reshaping his coaching staff by adding more youth.
"Mentally, I feel young, even though I'm no longer physically a young man," he conceded. "I know all the concepts because I've been studying and kept up with football. It's been several decades of football and constant adaptation.
"I'm aware of what has changed in the game and also the profile of players - how they think, the importance of social media and the world around them. I'm prepared and confident for the future. If I had to coach tomorrow, I would know exactly what to do."
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 16/09/2025