Former Napoli coach Reja analyzes his former club's difficult start, emphasizing that character and personality are key to Napoli's resurgence.

If you have spent 1,514 days at Napoli, constantly observing the city from the coaching bench, you have the right to describe, interpret, and recount it as if you yourself were sitting in the crater. Edy Reja is like a renowned volcanologist; during four years and two months—five full seasons—he was always close to the extreme emotions now resurfacing: 4 matches, 1 win, 3 losses. His friend Allegri now faces a world he doesn't know and needs support. "I believe in Allegri and his players, even though they are now dealing with some injuries."

What's your opinion on Napoli's start to the season?

"If you only look at the results, they're bad; but if you consider some details and dissect the matches, the story could be very different. For example, if Anguissa had scored in the 90th minute at San Siro, or if Lobotka had found someone to equalize in the 90th minute at the Maradona stadium, would we be talking about the same thing now?"

As a fellow coach, this assessment carries weight.

"I think Allegri must remain optimistic and should be supported. However, I sense a bit of pessimism from a distance. Disappointment is certainly there, that's normal, but it's also worth mentioning the other side: he faced three opponents that anyone could lose to. The worst phase has passed, and there are positive signs: they played very open against Inter; against Arsenal, they changed their approach, withstood the pressure, and had chances to hurt the opponent more than once."

In this situation, there is only one cure.

"Wins, of course. Against Bologna, there can be no room for hesitation. The team must rise using the abilities they have. We've already seen some interesting things in the matches, but results always change external perception: if they had only drawn twice against Inter and Arsenal, people's evaluation of Napoli would be very different. But Allegri is an exceptional football man; he understands these things and knows how to get through them."

What's more important: tactics, skill, or personality?

"All three together would be better, but on nights like this, when there is certainly tension on the pitch, personality matters most. Allegri is Napoli's leader, as he has always been throughout his career, and he will guide the team in the right direction."

Anguissa's situation has improved, and Lobotka has proven his worth.

"The team has lost some players along the way, so getting back two or three of them will be very helpful. If Anguissa returns to his previous form, he will be a significant asset, a player who can almost single-handedly intercept and also push forward on attack. I noticed that in some of the early matches, he was almost always in the penalty box and did have real chances. Later, he was unlucky, but that's very common."

Defensive statistics show the team's struggles...

"These statistics are tied to the strength of the opposition; when reviewing matches, context must also be considered. But Napoli wasn't simply passive against Inter; in some phases of the match, they may have been forced to defend, but they also came close to scoring several times."

And the match against Arsenal highlighted the gap between Italian football and the Premier League.

"They are the defending champions and last season's Champions League finalists. They are a very strong opponent, and the match was very entertaining, with different styles of football, and there's also the economic gap behind it. They accelerate, cut through, and make many brilliant movements, with a group of likeable players. When it comes time for substitutions, you can see how many options Arteta has. England is superior; we've known this for a long time and have said it for a long time."

Which players can Allegri rely on to bounce back quickly?

"I really like Gilmour, quite a lot. My most convincing choice is still Lobotka, because when he's at his best, he's a player of a different caliber, and in some phases of Wednesday night's match, you could already see what he can do. You have to follow his rhythm, understand his thinking, anticipate his movements; his touch always surprises opponents. I would also add Neres; he's always calm and is one of the most important pivots. However, I think this team is very stable overall."

The Napoli vs Bologna match has deep connections for Reja.

"This match will bring back memories of my youth and experiences that enriched my life. When I talk about Napoli, I often mention my relationship with the fans and the beautiful years from Serie C to European competition. It is a club that will always feel like mine. Bologna is equally beautiful, but for me, it is also a wound. I took over from Zaccheroni mid-season, at the beginning of the Gazzoni-Frascara era, and I started with seven consecutive wins, successfully reaching the promotion playoff round. Fate sent me to face SPAL, the team where I began my career at a higher level as a player, and we were eliminated. I still remember that disappointment. The pain of losing never truly goes away."

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