Allegri demands Napoli improve out of possession and start winning consistently ahead of Roma clash
Allegri wants Napoli to give a stronger defensive impression
Massimiliano Allegri believes the most important thing for Napoli ahead of their Serie A clash with Roma is to improve their work out of possession, while admitting his players must start delivering results more consistently. "We make our judgements on results," he said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Napoli host Roma at the Stadio Maradona on Saturday at 17.00 BST. Allegri's side come off a 4-3 Champions League win over Bodo/Glimt, but they remain eighth in Serie A after picking up 10 points from their first seven matches of the 2026-27 season.
De Bruyne role and squad management
Asked about Kevin De Bruyne, who has made clear he prefers to play further forward, Allegri said the Belgian has the qualities to operate in front of the defence or in a double pivot, as he did against Frosinone. "I put him there and he played well, that's the most important thing."
Allegri also flagged the workload on key players. "We also have players like Lobotka and Gilmour, who have played a lot of games since the start of the year between club and national teams. Managing the players is very important. When you play so many matches so close together, you need everyone. Today is our last training session, and then I will decide."
Roma threat and Napoli's need for balance
Allegri described the fixture as a significant one. "It's worth a lot, it's an important game, it's Napoli-Roma. Roma have been doing well since last year, they qualified for the Champions League, they're near first place. Gasperini is doing a great job. They're a team that's playing with enthusiasm, good technique."
He added that the match would not decide Napoli's Champions League qualification. "It would be nice to pick things back up after two wins and a draw before slipping against Venezia, while being aware of the fact that it is an important game, but not our last one."
On Gasperini's side, he said: "Gasperini's teams make plays because they take you man for man, they create a lot of spaces. These can be beautiful and entertaining games, if you get the result. If not, it's a problem. We need to have great technique, we will have to expend a lot of energy."
Asked whether Napoli lack a clear identity under him, Allegri rejected the idea of abandoning caution. "The easiest way for me to respond would be to change my way, to abandon the defence and go all-out attack, but we need balance. We've needed that since the beginning."
Fitness latest
Allegri said the aim is to have everyone available. Scott McTominay, back after two months out and with two goals so far, is still a little behind. Frank Anguissa played 60 minutes and his deployment is under review, with Allegri noting he played only 13 games last year. Rrahmani had a fever and his availability was being assessed, while Vergara was also being evaluated for a place on the bench. Badiashile was rested after three consecutive games.
Hojlund and the attack
Allegri defended Rasmus Hojlund, who has been short of goals. "He has played every game with Napoli and his national team since the start of the season, apart from that one game in Venice. But I'm happy with what he's doing. He has to stay calm. The important thing is that the team scores. If Hojlund scores fewer goals but the team wins, we're not angry."
He also praised Giovane and said Lucca "has different qualities" that the club must support. "Football is beautiful because one shot can turn a negative period into a positive."
Allegri's conclusion was clear: "The main thing is that we give a stronger impression when we are out of possession, especially in our own half. We also have to make progress in terms of results. We can talk about having good games, but in the end, as we always say, we make our judgements on results."