Allegri Napoli test: Politano and Lucca spark against Osasuna

Matteio Politano and Lorenzo Lucca found the net as Max Allegri’s Napoli defeated LaLiga side Osasuna 2‑1 in today’s friendly test on neutral turf at Castel di Sangro. The Partenopei opened the scoring in the 27th minute and doubled the lead in the 53rd, while Ante Budimir converted a penalty for the visitors in the 69th.

The match formed part of Napoli’s July pre‑season programme in Italy, staged at the Castel di Sangro training complex, a neutral venue used by SSC Napoli during their summer camp. Allegri deployed a 4‑3‑3 formation and gave Michael Folorunsho his first start, featuring on the left flank for most of the first half, highlighting the coach’s willingness to assess market‑available options before the Serie A campaign begins.

In the 27th minute, Politano’s opening goal came from a Leonardo Spinazzola cross that he volleyed into the roof of the net, giving the Partenopei an early advantage. The Spanish side, Osasuna, entered the friendly as the 17th‑placed team in LaLiga after last season’s campaign, providing a competitive test for both squads.

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After the restart, Lucca entered the field, received a yellow card for elbowing an opponent, and soon after scored when Noa Lang intercepted a clearance and fed him. The visitors’ penalty was earned after Ante Budimir was fouled by Nosa Obaretin, and he converted from the spot in the 69th minute to reduce the deficit.

Substitutions saw Milinkovic‑Savic replace Meret at halftime, Hojlund come on for Politano in the second half, and Alisson Santos enter late for Osasuna, where he produced two shots on target. The line‑up featured Meret in goal, Di Lorenzo and Rrahmani among the defenders, and Lobotka and Anguissa controlling the midfield.

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The friendly allowed the Partenopei to fine‑tune their squad ahead of the Serie A season, integrating new signings and assessing players listed on the market. The Spanish opposition provided a stern test, reflecting the broader trend of clubs seeking high‑quality pre‑season opposition across Europe.