After two bitter bankruptcies shortly before Christmas, SSC Napoli also suffered a setback at the end of the year.
Without their suspended strikers Victor Osimhen and Matteo Politano, the Italian football champions were unable to get beyond a goalless draw against AC Monza and are increasingly in danger of losing touch with the Champions League ranks in Serie A.
After the devastating round of 16 exit in the cup against newly promoted Frosinone Calcio (0:4), Napoli remained without a goal of their own one day before Christmas Eve at AS Roma (0:2).
Against Monza, the SSC struggled offensively for a long time – and were lucky defensively that Matteo Pessina (68th) missed a hand penalty.
In the final phase there were three expulsions: First, both coaches were sent to the stands for complaining, before substitute Mirko Maric (90th + 5) was shown the red card on the visitors’ bench.
Coach Walter Mazzarri’s team continues on January 7th, when the weak defending champions in the league travel to FC Turin.