The old feud with Cesc Fabregas lingers, but Massimiliano Allegri has no intention of fueling it. On the eve of Napoli vs. Como, the Italian manager has chosen to bring the match back to the pitch and toned down the controversy surrounding last season after AC Milan vs. Como.
"These things happen and will always happen. Tomorrow, it's not Fabregas against Allegri, but Napoli and Como," the Italian coach clarified in a press conference. His words also accompanied a positive assessment of his Spanish colleague: "He's a very promising coach, and there are many like him who can do well."
"It's exciting to play in our stadium."
Allegri is preparing to take the challenge at the Maradona stadium with particular enthusiasm, while emphasizing the difficulties his opponent presents.
"It will be exciting tomorrow, especially because we're playing in our stadium," the coach explained. Como, according to Allegri, comes into the match strong from a recent high-level run: "They have
He's done some amazing things recently. He has good technique."
Napoli, on the other hand, aren't in ideal condition for the match. Therefore, it will be crucial to avoid rushing and forcing things: "Our condition isn't optimal. It's important to play a game with good technique, intelligence, and patience."
Formation, Allegri takes his time
However, there's no certainty about the starting eleven against Como. The coach hasn't yet resolved all doubts, especially given the choices made in the previous match.
"I haven't decided who will play yet," Allegri admitted. Regarding the inclusion of De Bruyne and Vergara, which resulted in the winning result in Genoa, he clarified: "We won the first match by including them, but that doesn't mean it always works out that way."
A consideration that confirms the coach's desire to evaluate match after match, without relying on pre-established formulas.
"Difficult schedule? It all depends on the results."
Napoli's schedule offers a particularly challenging triptych, with Como and Inter in the league and their Champions League debut against Arsenal. Allegri, however, is avoiding looking too far ahead.
"If we win, it's downhill; if we lose, it's uphill: it all depends on the results," he observed. The recipe is simple: "You have to approach matches calmly, with the desire to get results, knowing the difficulties involved."
The priority, therefore, is only one: "Now we must think about Como and then Inter."
Champions League, the challenge against Arsenal begins immediately
Only then will it be time to focus on Europe. Allegri is aware of the difficulty of the new Champions League: "We just need to get points to advance. In Europe, every match is tough now because there are no longer any weak teams."
Much will also depend on the stage of the season in which they face their opponents. And Napoli will immediately face a very high-level test: "It also depends on the stage at which they face their opponents. We'll start immediately against Arsenal, and it will be a good match. But for now, there's time to think about it."
Transfer Market, Allegri's position: "We need players who can raise the bar."
On the transfer market, Allegri sends a rather clear message. He's satisfied with the squad he has available, and there's no room for signings just to increase the number of players available.
"I'm happy with the squad I have available. Signing players who don't improve the quality of this team makes no sense," he emphasized.
Work, therefore, continues with the players already available: "We're working with them, trying to improve individual and team aspects." Some departures, however, were primarily related to the need for more space and to rebalance the squad numerically: "Some players left to find space, also because we had squad size issues."
Lang, Allegri: "He did well in Genoa."
Finally, a word on Noa Lang, still at the center of transfer rumors. Allegri doesn't comment on the striker's future, but he emphasizes his performance in his last outing.
"He did well in Genoa, he needs to get back into shape," the coach explained. Physical fitness, according to Allegri, will be crucial to allowing the player to fully express himself and carve out a key role for himself in Napoli's season.
Frequently asked questions about Napoli-Como and Allegri
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Napoli-Como match and Massimiliano Allegri's comments.
What is Napoli's current situation?
Napoli are not in top form and Allegri emphasizes the importance of playing with intelligence and patience.
What does Allegri think of Cesc Fabregas?
Allegri chose not to fuel the controversy with Fabregas, calling him a promising coach.
What are your expectations for the match against Como?
Allegri expects a difficult match, highlighting Como's recent good performances.
Is there any news on Napoli's lineup?
Allegri hasn't yet decided on his starting eleven and continues to evaluate his choices match by match.
