Report: Allegri's patience with Napoli veterans wearing thin

La Repubblica says the Napoli coach is unhappy with his most experienced players, including Kevin De Bruyne, after a slow start to the Serie A season.

Massimiliano Allegri is growing frustrated with the attitude of Napoli's most experienced players, according to a report in La Repubblica. The Italian newspaper wrote that the honeymoon between the coach and the club 'is over' after a difficult opening stretch of the Serie A season.

Napoli have collected just seven points from their first five league matches, their worst return at this stage since 2015-16. Allegri did not conceal his dissatisfaction after Sunday's 1-1 draw at Fiorentina, telling reporters that the players were 'not doing enough' and that a 'different attitude is needed.'

Per the report, Allegri had taken a gentle approach with the squad's veterans in pre-season, easing their physical workload, but feels the response on the pitch has fallen short of what he expected. Kevin De Bruyne is singled out as one of the players whose form has disappointed since his 2025 arrival, having already lost his starting place under previous boss Antonio Conte late last season.

Allegri's comments echoed Antonio Conte's remarks a year ago, when after a defeat to Bologna he said he 'would not accompany a dead man.' The report also notes Allegri has had limited backing from the club, having accepted a near-empty summer transfer window, while president Aurelio De Laurentiis has been absent from the stadium early this season.

Tensions have surfaced at the Castel Volturno training ground as well. Noa Lang was dropped for disciplinary reasons for a Champions League fixture against Arsenal, while other incidents reportedly went unpunished.