Max Allegri's Challenge Ahead of Inter Showdown with Napoli
Napoli arrive at San Siro bruised, short-handed and already being asked if their Scudetto race is over in Week 3. Max Allegri is having none of it.
The Partenopei travel to face Inter on Saturday at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST), days after a damaging 2-1 home defeat to Como that cut deeper than the scoreline. Giovane limped off injured and Scott McTominay has been ruled out for several weeks following surgery to correct a small heart issue. Alessandro Buongiorno and Luca Marianucci were already long-term absentees.
In Naples, that kind of list can send the mood spiralling. Allegri spotted it immediately when his press conference began with questions about whether this was still a title fight.
“I understand that at Napoli it's either over-excitement or depression, but we are only in Week 3,” he shrugged. The message was blunt: calm down.
He refused to hammer his team for the Como loss. “We're disappointed to have lost to Como, but there must be balance, there are so many games still to be played. We didn't even put in a bad performance, but tomorrow is a head-to-head between the top two in the last two seasons. We go forward with confidence, then we can think about Arsenal and the Champions League.”
Injury Crisis as Opportunity
The injury list would worry any coach, especially with Inter looming and a brutal schedule on the horizon. Allegri, typically, twisted it into a positive.
“Injuries happen, but if you think that after the break for international duty there are nine matches in 26 days, it's better to have those injuries now so everyone can recover in time for that spell.”
The logic is ruthless: suffer now, be ready when the calendar turns savage.
The absences inevitably spark calls for fresh blood, and attention has quickly turned to Antonio Vergara. Allegri moved to protect the youngster before expectations run wild.
“I don't think we should put too much responsibility onto the shoulders of Vergara. He's a good player, but I think only has 12 games for Napoli, so we've got to take it easy,” he said. “I made a different choice against Como, he remained on the bench because I am only allowed five substitutions. We are improving physically, I am happy with how the lads are training, now we have to make fewer errors in the matches.”
The pressure finally told against Como with two soft goals conceded. Allegri knows a repeat at San Siro would be fatal.
De Bruyne Waits, McTominay Irreplaceable
Kevin De Bruyne’s role is another live issue. The Belgian has not started either of Napoli’s games so far, and is still pushing towards full fitness. Without McTominay, the balance of the midfield is suddenly a puzzle with fewer pieces.
“He is improving, but naturally I need to balance out the midfield without McTominay, as this limits the options,” Allegri explained. “Benoit Badiashile is in the squad, I'm pleased with what I saw in training. I cannot ask anyone else for what we get from Scott, so it's a different player with different characteristics.”
The line is clear: McTominay cannot be cloned. De Bruyne and others will have to reshape the way this Napoli side plays, not mimic what’s been lost.
Return to San Siro
For Allegri, this trip to San Siro is not just another away day. It is a return to the stadium where Milan fired him last summer, even if he left with the small consolation of having won both editions of the Derby della Madonnina against Inter.
“Playing in that stadium is always marvellous, while Inter and Napoli love to do battle. We need a good performance with fewer technical errors, because those are costly,” he said.
Then came the line that will echo around the Scudetto debate.
“Inter are the real favourites for the Scudetto. We've got to be more careful, as we conceded two avoidable goals against Como. Head to head clashes are always difficult to win.”
It is both a warning and a challenge to his own dressing room. Inter are the benchmark. Napoli must match them in detail and discipline, not just in flair.
Working with What He’s Got
Napoli’s summer, unlike those of their rivals, was shaped by the need to sell before buying. While other Serie A giants spent heavily, Allegri worked within tighter limits.
“There's no point looking at the others, we need to focus on ourselves. I'm pleased with the squad at our disposal, we've got to lay the foundations now for what will be the final push of the season, taking one step at a time,” he concluded.
San Siro will offer an early verdict. Is this Napoli fragile and anxious, or simply wounded and ready to bite back at the team their own coach calls Scudetto favourites?
