Allegri’s Napoli suffer worst start in 17 years as tensions rise
NAPLES, ITALY - OCTOBER 10: Massimiliano Allegri, Manager of SSC Napoli, reacts during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Frosinone Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Napoli are off to their worst start to a season in 17 years under Massimiliano Allegri, and tensions are reportedly simmering in the dressing room.
According to Tuttosport, Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at Villarreal left Napoli with four losses from their first eight competitive games, alongside three wins and a draw. Only Roberto Donadoni’s side in 2009-10, who lost four of their first seven, have started worse, and Allegri’s men are yet to win two games in a row.
The defeat in Spain also brought spats on the pitch and visible frustration between teammates.
Allegri’s Napoli suffer worst ever Champions League start
In Europe, the picture is even bleaker. Napoli have made their worst Champions League start in club history, with no points and just one goal. Their strikers have scored only five of the team’s 11 goals in all competitions, a poor return on roughly €200m spent on the attack.
Allegri’s own European record is under scrutiny too. He has lost eight of his last nine Champions League matches, and his last win came in October 2022.
Tuttosport estimates Napoli need at least 11 points from their remaining six league-phase games to reach the top 24, starting with Bodø/Glimt.
First comes Saturday’s trip to bottom side Venezia, where Kevin De Bruyne is expected to start on the bench after playing every minute of the last two games.
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