Tension is reportedly increasing at Napoli after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina, with reports in Italy claiming that head coach Massimiliano Allegri reacted angrily to his players after the match.
According to reports, Allegri made his frustration clear in the dressing room following what he considered an unacceptable performance. The latest claims suggest the coach demanded an immediate change in attitude from his squad.
Napoli have taken seven points from their first five Serie A matches, their worst start to a league campaign in a decade. Reports have also suggested that the atmosphere behind the scenes is becoming increasingly difficult.
Massimiliano Allegri faces rising tension at Napoli
La Repubblica reported on Tuesday that the honeymoon period between Allegri and Napoli is now over. The Italian coach was appointed recently, but the team’s results have already increased the pressure surrounding the club.
Reports have also pointed to growing tension between Allegri and some of Napoli’s senior players. Kevin De Bruyne has been mentioned in those reports after struggling to meet expectations following his arrival on a free transfer last summer.
During pre-season, Allegri had reportedly tried to create a more relaxed environment by reducing the physical demands placed on his senior players. However, recent weeks have seen the coach adopt a more demanding approach.
Fiorentina draw sparks Allegri dressing-room outburst
CalcioNapoli reported that Allegri was furious after Napoli’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina and described the team’s performance as unacceptable.
The report claims that the coach punched walls in the dressing room after the final whistle and shouted numerous expletives at his players as he expressed his anger over what he had seen on the pitch.
The latest account portrays the reaction as part of a broader escalation in tension around the team following its difficult beginning to the Serie A season.
Napoli coach demands immediate change
According to the same report, Allegri warned his players that everything needed to change as quickly as possible. He reportedly told them that he had not seen the level of hunger and desire required to win matches at the highest level.
The message came after Napoli’s failure to take more than a point from the Fiorentina match, leaving the team with seven points from five league games.
With reports already describing increasing tension between Allegri and members of the squad, the coach’s post-match reaction has added another chapter to the difficult atmosphere surrounding Napoli.