Venezia Defeat Leaves Allegri's Position at Napoli Under Scrutiny

Venezia finally claimed their first three points of the Serie A season after beating Napoli 1-0 at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Sunday (19/10/2026). Akor Adams' solitary goal early in the second half proved the difference, extending Napoli's poor record under Massimiliano Allegri, who has now suffered five defeats in nine matches across all competitions.

The win felt special for Venezia, who had previously been the only team in Serie A without a point after six rounds. The club, promoted as Serie B champions last season, had sacked coach Giovanni Stroppa after a 1-3 defeat to Atalanta and appointed Davide Nicola as his replacement. Nicola, known as a specialist at saving teams from relegation, made an instant impact in his debut match.

Napoli actually dominated possession and created a number of chances, especially after Allegri brought on Kevin De Bruyne, Alisson Santos, and Rasmus Højlund from the bench. But Venezia goalkeeper Filip Stankovic was outstanding, saving De Bruyne's penalty, making a sensational stop from Stanislav Lobotka, and denying Alisson in the 90th minute. Juan Jesus also played a key role with a goal-saving tackle to thwart Højlund.

The defeat to a team that had yet to earn a point was a heavy blow for Allegri. Previously, losses to Inter Milan and Como could still be excused, as could the poor results in the Champions League against Arsenal and Villarreal. But falling at the home of the team at the bottom of the table raises doubts about Allegri's approach, especially his decision not to start key players.

"I will love you even if you win," read a banner from a Venezia supporter, reflecting the dark humor of a fan base accustomed to defeat. But for a coach, such affection is rarely unconditional.

Allegri, appointed to replace Antonio Conte in the summer, is indeed known as an "aziendalista"—a company man loyal to club policy. He once said the label was a compliment and stressed his belief in the strength of the existing squad. But Conte's decision to leave last summer over a difference of opinion with club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis regarding the squad now seems increasingly relevant. Napoli have splashed out more than 150 million euros on players such as Lorenzo Lucca, Sam Beukema, and Noa Lang, plus 60 million euros to make Højlund and Alisson permanent. That heavy investment has yet to produce consistent results.

Interestingly, Allegri himself had asked for Gabriel Jesus in the summer, but the request was not granted. The Brazilian is now averaging more than a goal every 60 minutes with Barcelona. Meanwhile, Lucca, the first-choice striker, has yet to score and was unconvincing against Venezia. Noa Lang, who was loaned to Galatasaray after falling out with Conte, also looked unhappy after not being played and was involved in tension with his teammate, Frank Anguissa.

Allegri's relationship with De Bruyne is also under the spotlight. Although De Bruyne had praised Allegri's more relaxed and personal approach, tension was visible in the defeat to Villarreal when the Belgian midfielder was reluctant to follow instructions to drop into midfield. Allegri dismissed the incident as a language barrier, but there is no sign yet that De Bruyne agrees with his coach's idea of changing his role into a deeper creative midfielder.

The pressure on Allegri eased slightly after Lazio crushed Juventus 3-0 on Sunday night, which also raised questions about Luciano Spalletti's position in Turin. Spalletti, who has been in charge of Juventus for just a year, is now under greater pressure because the Bianconeri are one point behind their record from last season under Igor Tudor, who was sacked after the eighth defeat. However, both Allegri and Spalletti have won the Scudetto, so questions about their ability to deliver results are beginning to surface. Maurizio Sarri at Atalanta has also suffered four defeats in his first seven matches, adding to the list of big-name coaches currently struggling.

For Napoli, the defeat in Venice is not just the loss of three points but also a signal that confidence in Allegri is beginning to waver. De Laurentiis may think twice about sacking an experienced coach willing to follow the club's direction, but if the poor run continues, public and media pressure could force a change. Will Allegri be able to turn things around, or will he become the next victim of the harsh reality of the coaching hot seat in Serie A?