Mazzone returned to Cagliari in 1996, and later also briefly coached Napoli (1997–98) the following season, before being sacked. He took charge of Bologna again in 1998, winning the 1998 UEFA Intertoto Cup, and reaching the semi-final of both the 1998–99 UEFA Cup and the 1998–99 Coppa Italia, also qualifying for the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup. He spent the following season with Perugia (1999–2000).