Disgruntled by the apparent betrayal of star man Gonzalo Higuain walking into the arms of Serie A rivals Juventus, Napoli supporters’ emotions turned to despair on Sunday night as they stuttered against newly promoted Pescara.
Considering that the South American striker was the only major departure – providing they retain Kalidou Koulibaly and Manolo Gabbiadini – from the squad that finished behind the Bianconeri last term, it was surprising how they laboured across all departments in Abruzzo.
Coach Maurizio Sarri’s declaration that each of his team would need to give an extra five per cent to deal with the loss had suggested (mathematically at least), that he accredited the majority of last year’s success to Higuain, but on first viewing the 2016-17 season looks to offer a harsh reality.
Until the introduction of eternal substitute Dries Mertens – netting a quickfire double – just after half-time, the Azzurri were staring at an embarrassing defeat, as Ahmad Benali and Gianluca Caprari shot the hosts into a two-goal lead.
Now, with AC Milan visiting the Stadio San Paolo on Saturday night, the rollercoaster of emotions could take a turn once more, should their passionate followers divert their anger away from the Argentine toward Sarri and his players.
With the Rossoneri looking somewhat resurgent against Torino on Sunday evening – despite clinging on to a 3-2 victory – Partenopei goalkeeper Pepe Reina could be in for a busy evening in Naples if they hit their attacking stride once more.
Although Napoli brought in Arkadiusz Milik from Ajax for the not too insignificant fee of €35 million to cope with the loss of 36 goals from the side, this weekend’s match could rest on the two sides contrasting abilities at retaining their frontmen.
With the Partenopei cutting edge softened by the former Real Madrid striker’s absence, new Milan coach Vincenzo Montella will have been pleased to see that Carlos Bacca picked up where he left off last season after ignoring Premier League advances.
Admittedly the Colombian was reportedly looking for Champions League football or a return to Spain, but another prolific campaign with the Rossoneri could see them return to European football for the first time in two years.
Unfortunately for Sarri, his opinion that Higuain is irreplaceable appears to be coming to fruition earlier than many will have expected, but was arguably visible during each of his three seasons in Naples.
Therefore, even if the 57-year-old tactician cannot lead his side to victory over Milan, it is crucial the side show signs of life and that this can still be a season to savour for the Partenopei.
In the humid temperatures of the Adriatic coast the Italian was feeling the heat as he watched on, but it will not be long before Sarri is sweating from a demanding public and president keen to take the club back to it’s Scudetto winning peak.
It may sound harsh given that we have seen just 90 minutes of competitive action, but with aspirations to also give a greater account of themselves at Europe’s top table this term the pressure is already on down in the south of the peninsula.
