Napoli’s work during the break ended in a 2-0 defeat to Avellino, but the result carried less weight than the circumstances surrounding a session shaped by absences and recovery programmes. With international players away and seven members of the squad unavailable through injury, Allegri used the occasion to assess those still at his disposal before granting the group time off.
Avellino, coached by Nesta, took their chances through Venturi and Di Maggio as they continued preparations for their first match after the international window, against Sampdoria. For Napoli, it was an exercise in managing a reduced squad rather than a meaningful verdict on form.
Allegri had to work without Alisson, Anguissa, Giovane, Marianucci, McTominay, Meret and Spinazzola, the latter following an individual programme in the gym. Contini, Rrahmani, Beukema, Rafa Marin, Badiashile, Neres, Politano and Lucca were among the senior players involved, alongside several younger players called in to complete the group.
Beukema, Badiashile and Lucca each played around 90 minutes, while the second half gave Napoli’s Primavera players a more prominent role. Their coach, Nocerino, watched the youngsters closely, with understandable pride as they were asked to step into a first-team environment depleted by injuries and international duty.
The staff’s principal focus was the physical progress of the players available, rather than the scoreline. Napoli will resume work on Monday with Frosinone next on the agenda, while awaiting the return of their internationals and a more encouraging medical update on the injured contingent.
McTominay is due to undergo medical checks on Tuesday in the hope of receiving clearance to return to action. Until then, Napoli’s break has offered a reminder of the depth required across a long Serie A season: even a routine training fixture can become a test of resources when the squad is scattered between treatment rooms, national teams and youth ranks.
