Napoli's difficult start to the 2026/27 Serie A season has deepened after a 1-1 draw at Fiorentina left them ninth in the table with seven points from five games. As reported after the Franchi stalemate, this is the club's worst return after five rounds since the 2015/16 season, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats painting a worrying picture for a squad expected to challenge higher up the table.

The draw itself summed up Napoli's inconsistency under Massimiliano Allegri. The team went ahead through Billy Gilmour's second goal for the club, only to concede an equaliser from a deflected Jimenez effort. Match coverage highlighted that Kevin De Bruyne failed to control the game as expected, while goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic made key saves to prevent a defeat.

Squad availability has added to the pressure. Frank Anguissa missed the trip to Florence through injury, and reports suggest his contract renewal remains unsigned, raising the prospect of a January sale. Matteo Politano also faces uncertainty, left out of the Italy squad by Roberto Mancini and now under threat from young prospect Favasuli for his starting place.

A curious subplot emerged when Antonio Vergara, who had started the previous two league games, was left out entirely against Fiorentina without explanation. Napoli host Frosinone on October 10, a fixture they will need to win to arrest a slide that is already alarming their supporters.