Napoli's season is in crisis. Seven points from five Serie A games represents the club's worst start in ten years, as reported after the draw at Fiorentina, and the pressure on Massimiliano Allegri is growing with each passing week. The 1-1 at the Artemio Franchi summed up the team's problems: capable of competing but unable to win the matches they need to win. Scoring is a particular concern, with only seven goals in five games, a figure not seen in over two decades.

The injury list is making things harder. Alessandro Buongiorno, who was meant to anchor the defence, remains a long way from returning after summer surgery on a serious meniscus problem. Frank Anguissa suffered a muscle injury at Fiorentina and will miss time during the international break. The goalkeeping situation also needs resolving, with Alex Meret expected to return after the break and challenge Milinkovic-Savic for the starting spot.

There are some reasons for cautious optimism. Scott McTominay has returned to training at Castelvolturno following his cardiac procedure and is targeting a comeback against Frosinone on October 10. David Neres showed encouraging signs at Florence after months out with an ankle injury. Allegri is expected to change his tactical setup when the league resumes, with the Frosinone home fixture offering a chance to arrest the slide.