Max Allegri admits Napoli are prone to ‘over-excitement or depression’ after defeat to Como, but looks on the bright side of Scott McTominay and Giovane’s injuries when facing ‘Scudetto favourites’ Inter.
The Partenopei need a boost after their 2-1 home defeat to Como, but it was even costlier because Giovane sustained an injury, while McTominay was ruled out for several weeks by surgery to correct a small heart issue.
This is in addition to long-term absentees Alessandro Buongiorno and Luca Marianucci.
When today’s press conference opened with questions asking if this was even still a Scudetto battle in the circumstances, Allegri saw a pattern.
“I understand that at Napoli it’s either over-excitement or depression, but we are only in Week 3,” shrugged the coach.
“We’re disappointed to have lost to Como, but there must be balance, there are so many games still to be played. We didn’t even put in a bad performance, but tomorrow is a head-to-head between the top two in the last two seasons. We go forward with confidence, then we can think about Arsenal and the Champions League.”
Allegri also tried to look on the positive side of the injury crisis, insisting the timing wasn’t too bad.
“Injuries happen, but if you think that after the break for international duty there are nine matches in 26 days, it’s better to have those injuries now so everyone can recover in time for that spell.”
With so many out of action, does that mean Antonio Vergara can get more playing time for Napoli?
“I don’t think we should put too much responsibility onto the shoulders of Vergara. He’s a good player, but I think only has 12 games for Napoli, so we’ve got to take it easy,” continued Allegri.
“I made a different choice against Como, he remained on the bench because I am only allowed five substitutions. We are improving physically, I am happy with how the lads are training, now we have to make fewer errors in the matches.”
Kevin De Bruyne has notably not started either game so far this season, and is pushing for full fitness.
“He is improving, but naturally I need to balance out the midfield without McTominay, as this limits the options. Benoit Badiashile is in the squad, I’m pleased with what I saw in training. I cannot ask anyone else for what we get from Scott, so it’s a different player with different characteristics.”
This is a return to San Siro for the coach who was fired by Milan last summer, although he did win both editions of the Derby della Madonnina against Inter.
“Playing in that stadium is always marvellous, while Inter and Napoli love to do battle. We need a good performance with fewer technical errors, because those are costly,” continued Allegri.
“Inter are the real favourites for the Scudetto. We’ve got to be more careful, as we conceded two avoidable goals against Como. Head to head clashes are always difficult to win.”
Napoli were limited in their transfer activity by needing to sell first, whereas the other Serie A giants invested significantly more this summer.
“There’s no point looking at the others, we need to focus on ourselves. I’m pleased with the squad at our disposal, we’ve got to lay the foundations now for what will be the final push of the season, taking one step at a time,” concluded Allegri.