Allegri eyes squad overhaul after Napoli’s 2-0 friendly win

Massimiliano Allegri, the newly appointed head coach of SSC Napoli, said the club will evaluate its squad after a 2-0 pre‑season victory over Carrarese, with Rasmus Hojlund and Giovane scoring. The Partenopei secured their second friendly win as they fine‑tune the roster ahead of the new campaign.

Rasmus Hojlund broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute by pouncing on a deflected Antonio Vergara attempt. Giovane converted a penalty before half‑time after Vergara was brought down. Matteo Politano’s curler struck the crossbar, while Carrarese’s Abiuso also rattled the woodwork.

Allegri told Sky Sport Italia, “I have no doubts on the quality of my players, but then they need to be worked with and we’ve got to improve our fitness levels, because the start of the season is coming up.” He added that the club will think about the transfer market, noting that “practically all the Italian clubs are static on the market” and that three friendlies remain before a calm evaluation at the window’s end.

Allegri also mentioned injuries to Alessandro Buongiorno and Sam Beukema, and noted that Juan Jesus has left as a free agent, raising the question of whether another defender is needed.

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“It was a good test, we did some things better than last time, and we didn’t concede any goals,” the coach said, emphasizing the need to raise fitness levels. He stressed that Napoli faces three top competitions and must build a squad ready for the challenges ahead.

Kevin De Bruyne, who has another year on his Napoli contract, does not appear enthusiastic under Allegri, whom he described as “even more tactically negative than Antonio Conte.” The coach reiterated that the first six months are crucial to lay foundations for a strong March.

A separate Serie A clash in Verona on February 28 saw Hojlund celebrate another goal for SSC Napoli against Hellas Verona, after a deflected Antonio Vergara attempt. Giovane then converted a penalty before half‑time, and Vergara limped off with a left‑knee issue ten minutes from the end, leaving Napoli with ten men.

Allegri’s appointment was unveiled at the Teatro di San Carlo on July 14, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis presenting the new head coach, underscoring the club’s ambition for the upcoming season.