Allegri: Napoli Swing Between Euphoria and Despair Before Inter Clash

Massimiliano Allegri opened his first press conference of the 2026‑27 Serie A campaign with a candid assessment of his side’s emotional state. After a 2-1 home defeat to newly promoted Como, the Napoli boss warned that the club tends to oscillate between over‑excitement and depression, a pattern he believes can be managed if the squad stays focused.

Allegri’s Early‑Season Diagnosis

“I understand that at Napoli it’s either over‑excitement or depression, but we are only in Week 3,” Allegri said, shrugging off the criticism that the loss might signal a lost Scudetto bid. He reminded reporters that the team did not produce a poor performance, merely a result that fell short of expectations. The coach stressed that there are still many matches left and that balance will be key as the season unfolds.

Injury List and Its Timing

Napoli’s injury woes were front‑and‑centre in the discussion. Midfielder Scott McTominay will miss several weeks after undergoing surgery to correct a minor heart issue, while forward Giovane suffered a setback that also rules him out for the near future. The club also continues to cope with the long‑term absences of Alessandro Buongiorno and Luca Marianucci. Allegri tried to put a positive spin on the situation, noting that the international break will soon be followed by a dense schedule of nine matches in 26 days. “If the injuries arrive now, the players can recover in time for that spell,” he explained.

Preparing for the Inter Test

Next Saturday, Napoli travel to the San Siro to face Inter Milan, the current favourites for the Scudetto. Allegri acknowledged the magnitude of the fixture, describing it as a head‑to‑head clash between the two teams that have dominated the league in the last two seasons. He highlighted the need for a disciplined performance with fewer technical errors, especially after conceding two avoidable goals against Como.

With McTominay unavailable, Allegri admitted that midfield options are limited. He praised Kevin De Bruyne for his progress in training but admitted that the Belgian’s style differs from McTominay’s box‑to‑box energy. Benoît Badiashile’s inclusion in the squad was also welcomed, offering additional defensive coverage.

Looking Beyond the Scudetto Race

Allegri reminded his staff that the season’s objectives extend beyond the title race. He mentioned the upcoming Champions League fixtures and a potential clash with Arsenal, indicating that Napoli must build a foundation now to sustain a final push later in the campaign. The manager also hinted at a cautious approach to the transfer market, noting that Napoli’s activity was constrained by the need to sell players before reinforcements could arrive.

Overall, the coach’s message was clear: maintain composure, manage the injury list wisely, and aim for a solid performance against Inter to keep the Scudetto hopes alive.