David Neres is beginning to offer Napoli a reason for patience again. His appearance in Florence did not bring the first goal of his season, but it carried signs of a player recovering the rhythm and conviction that once made him such a disruptive presence in the side.
Key takeaways
- Neres has made four substitute appearances this season, totalling 84 minutes.
- His longest outing came at the Franchi, where he played for just over half an hour on the left flank.
- Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea denied both Neres and Favasuli after the Brazilian created an opening.
- The winger had been out for eight months following left-ankle surgery in London after a January injury.
- Napoli have two full weeks before Frosinone, giving Massimiliano Allegri time to build up Neres’ condition.
Encouragement in Florence
Napoli saw glimpses of the old Neres against Fiorentina on Sunday. Deployed on the left by Allegri, he came close to opening his account before De Gea produced another important save. Soon afterwards, Neres drove forward down that side and supplied a cross for Favasuli, whose header was also kept out by the Fiorentina goalkeeper.
Those moments mattered because Neres has not yet had enough time on the pitch to establish himself this term. Although naturally left-footed and often most comfortable starting from the right before moving inside, he accepted the left-sided role and showed his willingness to operate across the forward line. Napoli repeatedly looked for him as he carried the ball, challenged opponents and tried to bring sharper ideas to the attack.
It was not yet the full version of the Brazilian, but it was a meaningful step. His return has necessarily been measured after the long absence that interrupted a fine spell last season. He first reappeared against Como, having been sidelined since January.
A route back to Napoli’s attack
The injury arrived at an especially difficult moment. Before the stoppage, Neres had scored six times across roughly two months and had been central to one of Napoli’s most productive periods under Antonio Conte. That run included the Supercoppa campaign, victories over Milan and Bologna, and a two-goal display in the final.
Napoli have therefore avoided rushing him back. Allegri is using the international break to bring the winger closer to full fitness, with the objective extending beyond another useful option from the bench. If Neres reaches his former level, he can become an additional regular starter and give the team a more unpredictable attacking outlet.
Since arriving in 2024, he has registered 59 appearances for Napoli, nine goals and around ten assists. One more goal would take him into double figures for the club. His record suggests he can contribute directly in front of goal, an area where Napoli need more support beyond players such as Scott McTominay and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa.
Neres built his early reputation at Ajax and later showed his quality, if not always consistently, at Benfica. Napoli have already seen how much his form can alter the tempo of their football. The game in Florence offered no decisive statistic for him, but it did provide a useful indication: after a long recovery, he is moving in the right direction.
