Napoli have no qualms about losing to Arsenal. Massimiliano Allegri is focusing primarily on the Azzurri's performance in their Champions League debut and urges the team to maintain confidence after their third consecutive defeat.
"We played a good match against one of the strongest teams in Europe. The first half was very even. In the second half, they raised the tempo. We defended well. If we had defended like that, perhaps the outcome against Como and Inter would have been different," the coach explained to Amazon Prime Video.
The coach then emphasized the team's unity against the Londoners: "We're disappointed. We've lost three games in a row, but we have to take the positives from this evening. There's nothing to criticize the players for today. When we defend like this, it's difficult to score."
Allegri also identified some areas in the management of the match that needed fixing: "In the second half, we struggled more than in the first. Sometimes, our frenzy leads us to make mistakes, and that's what happened."
Thoughts inevitably return to the difficult moment the Azzurri are going through, coming off defeats against Como and Inter in the league before their European misstep. The coach, however, is asking them to maintain the attitude they showed against Arsenal and turn the performance into a starting point.
Finally, on the injury front, there are some less than reassuring indications: "I think we'll be without Alisson for a while." The extent of Meret's injury, which left the pitch during the match, remains to be seen.
Frequently asked questions about Napoli's situation
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Napoli's recent performance and the team's current situation.
What is the reason for the defeat against Arsenal?
The team showed good quality, but suffered an increase in tempo from Arsenal in the second half.
What did Allegri say about the team's performance?
Allegri stressed that there were no criticisms to make and highlighted the positive aspects of the match.
What are Napoli's current difficulties?
Napoli are going through a difficult period with three consecutive defeats, including the one against Arsenal.
Is there any news on injuries?
Alisson could be out for a prolonged period while Meret's injury is assessed.
