NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: SSC Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Liga Stage MD3 match between SSC Napoli and FC Bodo/Glimt at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on October 20, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photographer Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Max Allegri insists Kevin De Bruyne will ‘really enjoy playing in front of the defence’, but Napoli’s 4-3 win over Bodo/Glimt still raised Champions League concerns.
The pressure has indeed mounted at the Partenopei after a string of disappointing results, including back-to-back defeats to Villarreal in the Champions League and Venice in Serie A.
They took plenty of risks tonight too, twice allowing Bodo/Glimt to equalize at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium before Matteo Politano’s volley, Scott McTominay’s goal and Giovane’s hand won 4-3.
Allegri defends Napoli’s options
“We made a lot of mistakes at the beginning of the game and it’s never easy in the Champions League,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“When we’re close to the penalty area, we let a lot of the ball pass easily, but we have to be patient to read the passing channels and cut them off, because that allows us to counter-attack.”
Frank Anguissa made his first start since September 5 today, but Allegri in particular used De Bruyne again in a deeper playmaking role, although the Belgium international made it clear he didn’t like it.
“Kevin is an extraordinary player, I told him he would enjoy playing in front of the defence. We also had to rest Lobotka, who did well coming off the bench.
“Anguissa played 60 minutes but it was her first start, so inevitably the defense got a bit deeper. McTominay scored two goals but he’s not the real Scott yet.
“Fortunately, we have a lot of play and can match everyone with fitness, but by defending deep we still allow the ball to pass too many times. We have to work on those interceptions.”
If Napoli conceded three goals, at least this time they created a lot going forward, scoring four times and coming close in other situations.
“Obviously, the more quality players on the pitch, the better, but results change your mind,” insisted Allegri.
“In Florence and Venice we had chances to score where we missed the last pass, it was the same against Inter and Como. What we definitely need to improve is the sense of fragility. When you’re fragile, you don’t attack or you don’t defend.”