Napoli’s first defeat under Rudi Garcia has caused some warning signs to emerge in Campania, with the Italian media criticising the coach’s work in the loss to Lazio.
The Partenopei secured wins over Frosinone and Sassuolo in their opening two outings of the new season, but were given a reality check at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday evening.
Maurizio Sarri’s side took a 1-0 lead through Luis Alberto after half an hour, but Piotr Zielinski quickly responded to tie things up.
Early into the second half, however, Daichi Kamada finished off a quick counter-attack to restore Lazio’s lead. Napoli pushed for an equaliser, but their efforts proved fruitless.
Corriere dello Sport were highly unimpressed with Garcia’s decisions and tactical set-up, and noted how Lazio’s two disallowed goals reduced the pain of the defeat, saying: “VAR prevents him from making a fool of himself.”
Gazzetta dello Sport were equally confused by the French coach’s work against the Biancocelesti, suggesting his game management was aimless, noting: “Desperate moves coming in the chaotic end.”
Garcia’s ratings in the Italian press
Gazzetta dello Sport: 5
Corriere dello Sport: 4.5
Tuttosport: 5