‘Napoli Have Fallen Apart’

‘Napoli Have Fallen Apart’ – Tension on and Off the Pitch as Serie a Champions Look to Turn Around Difficult Start

Napoli’s Serie A title defence has started on shaky foundations after they hit their worst run of form in 17 months. Coach Rudi Garcia has come under fire, not just from the fans and the media but also from his own players, with Victor Osimhen reacting furiously to being substituted in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Bologna. Next up for Napoli is the visit of Udinese on Wednesday, live on TNT Sports.

For all its abundance of delicious food, beautiful architecture and historic landmarks, Bologna is unlikely to be a place this Napoli squad will want to return to in a hurry.

Sunday’s trip to the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium not only saw the Partenopei stumble again in their Serie A title defence, but appeared to deepen worrying divisions in their ranks.

With 72 minutes on the clock in Bologna, Napoli had a golden chance to finally break through the stubborn hosts when they were awarded a penalty.

Up stepped Victor Osimhen, the capocannoniere of last season’s dominant Scudetto triumph, but he blazed his spot-kick wide.
Not long after, the Nigerian was substituted and appeared to react angrily towards head coach Rudi Garcia, shaking his head and gesticulating.
It was a sour end to a frustrating afternoon for the striker, who also hit the post early on, as a goalless draw extended the champions’ winless run to three games and saw them slip seven points behind leaders Inter Milan.
Garcia’s appointment as the successor to title-winning coach Luciano Spalletti raised a lot of eyebrows in the summer, and the Frenchman is yet to convince that he can take this team to the same heights.
But on Wednesday, Napoli host Udinese – live on TNT Sports – in a game where three points will be demanded from an expectant home support after a stuttering start to the season.