JuicyTalk
Napoli winger Matteo Politano insists nobody will panic after the Massimiliano Allegri era began with a shock 3-1 friendly defeat to second-tier Arezzo on Wednesday.
Allegri’s first starting lineup after succeeding Antonio Conte in Naples was a strong one, featuring former Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, club captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo and midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.
And though Politano scored from the penalty spot in the second half, last season’s Serie A runners-up were well beaten by a team that won promotion from Serie C in 2025-26.
“It’s a shame because we wanted to start well, even if we knew we weren’t in great shape. But it’s okay, we’ve only been working for a few days,” Politano told Sky Sport Italia.
“As I said, there is time: we still have to work, we have many days of training to come.
“I’m super positive. The group is compact and strong; we have already shown that. When everyone has returned, I think we can build something important.”
Full time#NapoliArezzo 1-3
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) July 22, 2026
Arezzo head coach Cristian Bucchi, who represented Napoli during his playing career between 2006 and 2011, also believes Allegri will get things right when the competitive games roll around.
“Napoli had a difficult season last time. I see a more prepared team, even if, with the change of coach, they will need more time to adapt,” he said afterwards.
“Perhaps last summer there was also pressure from the Scudetto they won [in 2024-25], and maybe it was not easy.
“In any case, they have a top coach and should be able to have a great season.”
Napoli’s remaining friendlies are against Carrarese, Osasuna and Celta Vigo, before they face Genoa in their Serie A opener on August 22.
