Stefano Pioli has been spotted in Naples on the eve of Napoli’s Serie A clash with Roma, as pressure continues to build on Massimiliano Allegri.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the former Milan and Fiorentina coach, currently out of work, was seen in the city on Friday, enjoying the late-October sunshine. CalcioNapoli1926 reports that he was walking along the seafront at Mergellina.

Both outlets stress that the visit is not necessarily linked to Napoli’s coaching situation, and that Allegri retains the club’s backing. However, Pioli’s name had been linked with the Partenopei in recent weeks, so his presence in the city 24 hours before such a big game is bound to raise eyebrows.

Allegri faces pressure test against Roma

Allegri’s side head into Saturday’s game ninth in Serie A with 10 points from seven games, their worst start in 17 years. Last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at bottom side Venezia left the former Juventus and Milan coach facing serious questions.

Tuesday’s 4-3 Champions League win over Bodø/Glimt eased the pressure, earning Napoli their first points in the competition. A result against third-placed Roma would go a long way towards silencing the doubters.

Pioli won the Scudetto with Milan in 2022 and has been without a club since leaving Fiorentina.