LIVE – NAPLES, one week to go: what's working and what's not on the pitch and in the transfer market

It all starts in seven days: the debut at Marassi against Daniele De Rossi's Genoa will be the first real test for Max Allegri's Napoli, who will officially take charge of the club in July 2026. On the pitch, the team showed encouraging signs in summer friendlies, culminating in a 6-2 win against Aris Thessaloniki, with good responses from Politano, McTominay, and the new attacking options. Allegri is currently working on a 4-3-3 formation that maximizes the central midfielders but is maintaining alternatives (3-5-2) should another key striker arrive.

The defense, however, remains a sore point: prolonged injuries (most notably Buongiorno) and recurring ailments for Beukema have forced Allegri to rotate the lineup, promoting Rafa Marin alongside Rrahmani. Specific work is needed to regain cohesion and stability, given that defense is a key pillar for the Livorno coach. Di Lorenzo has been confirmed as captain and key figure, and he will be called upon to push forward to reduce any problems.

There's still room for change on the transfer market, but with caution: the club is working on outgoings to slim down the squad (among the names linked are several players with uncertain terms) and is looking for a central defender—the media has reported Benoît Badiashile as a possibility, but for now it remains a rumor—as well as a right-back as a possible backup for Di Lorenzo. The arrival of another striker is also linked to departures: rumors of important targets are circulating, but there's no official confirmation. In short: a good foundation, some areas to fix, especially defensively, and pragmatism is needed on the transfer market.