Napoli's season is drifting in the wrong direction, and the 1-1 draw at home to Serie A leaders Lazio on November 8 only underlined the gap between where this squad should be and where it currently is. Sitting 10th with 15 points from 11 games, Massimiliano Allegri's side are 15 points behind Lazio and struggling for consistency across all competitions. A heavy 4-1 defeat to Porto in the Champions League the week before the Lazio match had already intensified scrutiny on the manager, and a long injury list continues to limit his options.

Off the pitch, the atmosphere inside the club is tense. A public argument between Kevin De Bruyne and Lorenzo Lucca in Porto was followed by winger Noa Lang provoking his own supporters at the Maradona, drawing whistles from the home crowd. Lucca, brought in as cover for Rasmus Hojlund, looks increasingly likely to leave in January. Hojlund himself scored twice for Denmark against Portugal during the international break, raising fresh questions about why he has managed just three goals in 14 club appearances this season.

De Bruyne's future adds another layer of uncertainty. PSV Eindhoven have expressed serious interest in signing the Belgian midfielder in January, and while Napoli insist he is not for sale, his contract expires next summer and his relationship with the club appears strained. Director Giovanni Manna has signalled that January will be an active transfer window. Napoli host Torino on November 21 needing a result to arrest a slide that is already threatening to define their season.