Napoli ninth after Roma draw, 11 points off Serie A leaders Lazio

Eight games in, the gap to the top is wide and the table behind us is tight. Allegri's side need a full 90 minutes against Monza on Wednesday 28 October.

by Gennaro SanninoSunday 25 October, 04:59 CET· 4 hours ago

Napoli-Roma Il punto sulla giornata: il Napoli è nono e la vetta è a 11 punti — Grafica Arena Napoli

Napoli are ninth in Serie A after eight matches, and the teams above us have not slowed down. Lazio lead with 22 points, 11 more than us. Inter are second on 19 with a game in hand. Roma, who held us to a draw on Saturday 24 October, are third on 18.

For a fanbase that has won two league titles in three seasons and sees the Champions League as the club's natural place, looking up from here is not a minor matter.

The real problem is the middle of the table. Como are fourth on 17, six points ahead of us. Milan have 15 with a game in hand. Frosinone, Torino and Cagliari are on 13, two points clear, and Frosinone also have a game in hand. Juventus are level with us on 11 and have played one match fewer.

In a table this tight, a few results move a team up or down. A draw against a direct rival after taking the lead is the kind of result that costs points in a league like this. It is also where the debate about the defence and the team's physical stamina stops being an opinion and becomes a question of league position.

What changes for Napoli

Those who want a change of direction from head coach Allegri now have one more argument. Those who defend him have to admit the numbers do not help him. The gap to third place is seven points, and the club has to answer, in practice, on the intensity and solidity of this team.

Next up is Monza on Wednesday 28 October, kick-off 20:45 CET (19:45 UK, 14:45 ET), at the U-Power Stadium. With the table so compressed, what the team needs most is a game played to the last minute with the same intensity as the first half.