Max Allegri's first match as Napoli head coach ended in a 3-1 defeat to Serie B newcomers Arezzo in the opening pre-season friendly at the SKI.IT Arena in Dimaro Folgarida on Wednesday evening.
The Azzurri were caught cold early when Alberto Cerri rose unmarked to head home from close range after some slack defensive organisation. Arezzo doubled their lead shortly after the interval when Gilli pounced on a loose rebound after Vanja Milinkovic-Savic could only parry a goalmouth scramble.
Napoli pulled one back through Matteo Politano, who saw his penalty saved by goalkeeper Serban before slotting home the rebound after Vergara had been brought down in the area. The hosts pushed for an equaliser and came agonisingly close when Lorenzo Lucca rattled the post with a powerful effort, before the striker was forced off with a right ankle issue.
Mawuli sealed the result for Arezzo in the 89th minute, capitalising on a poor horizontal pass from Obaretin that was intercepted, providing the simple finish from close range.
Allegri used the friendly to rotate his entire squad, giving significant minutes to several young players. Giovane impressed on the right flank of the front three, while 2008-born regista Prisco showed composure beyond his years in midfield. The coach deployed Rrahmani and Rafa Marin at centre-back in the first half, with that pairing likely to start the season given Alessandro Buongiorno, Beukema, and Olivera are still away following World Cup duty.
Lucca's ankle issue will be a concern, though early indications suggest it may not be serious. The striker had been one of Napoli's brighter performers in the second half before his withdrawal.
Napoli now face Carrarese in their next friendly on Sunday before the Serie A campaign begins. Allegri will hope to have his full squad available as the club also looks to strengthen in the transfer market.
Sources
- https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Napoli/22-07-2026/napoli-arezzo-1-3-allegri-inizia-l-avventura-azzurra-con-una-battuta-d-arresto.shtml
- https://sscnapoli.it/match-report-napoli-arezzo-1-3/
