Napoli return from the international break with a simple demand from Massimiliano Allegri, but one that reaches into both penalty areas: greater ruthlessness. The 1-1 draw in Florence exposed a concern that has surfaced more than once in the early weeks of the Serie A season, with the team failing to turn important moments into lasting control.
Allegri’s point is not confined to finishing chances. Napoli have shown they can find the net, yet they have too often struggled with the minutes immediately after scoring. A goal should change the terms of a match, allowing the side in front to settle, close spaces and make the opponent work for a response. Instead, Napoli have repeatedly offered their rivals a quick route back into the contest.
There have been three particularly telling examples. Against Como, Rasmus Hojlund made it 1-1, only for Martin Baturina to restore the Lombardy side’s advantage shortly afterwards. At San Siro, Hojlund’s goal gave Napoli a 2-0 lead over Inter, but Lautaro Martínez soon reduced the deficit. Then, in Florence, Jimenez levelled early in the second half when Napoli needed clearer heads and better management of their position in the game.
The circumstances were different, but the pattern was familiar. Napoli have not always recognised when a match requires patience rather than another surge forward. Once ahead, they must be able to slow the rhythm, stay compact and deny the opposition the territory and opportunities that can quickly undo their work.
Hojlund needs closer support
The other side of Allegri’s request concerns a Napoli attack that must create more, particularly for Hojlund. The Danish striker has two league goals, but he has too often been left operating away from the areas where he can do the most damage.
Napoli need to play nearer to their centre-forward, bringing runners and passing options around him while improving the quality of the chances that reach him. The issue is not merely whether Hojlund scores; it is whether the side can build attacks that keep him involved and give their goals a stronger foundation.
That is the work awaiting Allegri as the season resumes. Napoli’s early campaign has already shown both their ability to score and the cost of lapses after doing so. The sharper edge their coach wants must therefore apply at both ends: conviction when an opening arrives, and the discipline to protect what has been gained.
