Max Allegri insists Kevin De Bruyne ‘is going to really enjoy himself playing in front of the defence,’ but Napoli’s 4-3 win over Bodo/Glimt still created Champions League concerns.
The pressure was really piling up on the Partenopei after a run of dismal results, including back-to-back defeats to Villarreal in the Champions League and Venezia in Serie A.
They ran quite a few risks this evening too, twice allowing Bodo/Glimt to equalise until eventually winning 4-3 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with Matteo Politano’s volley, a Scott McTominay brace, and deflected Giovane effort.
Allegri stands up for Napoli choices
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Massimiliano Allegri, Manager of SSC Napoli, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between SSC Napoli and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 20, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“We made a lot of mistakes at the start of the game, and it is never easy in the Champions League,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.
“When we are close to the penalty area, we allow too many balls to get through easily, but this is work we must do with patience to read and intercept those passing channels, because that is what allows you to then go on the counter-attack.”
Frank Anguissa made his first start since September 5 today, but notably Allegri again used De Bruyne in a deeper playmaker role, despite the fact the Belgium international has made it clear he’s not fond of it.
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Kevin De Bruyne during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between SSC Napoli and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 20, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“Kevin is an extraordinary player, I told him he’s going to really enjoy himself playing in front of the defence. We also needed to rest Lobotka, who did well when he came off the bench.
“Anguissa played 60 minutes, but he was making his first start, so inevitably the defence dropped a little deeper too. McTominay scored two goals, but he is not the real Scott yet.
“Fortunately, we have a lot of games and can get everyone back to match fitness, but defending deep we still let the ball through too many times. We’ve got to work on those interceptions.”
NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Massimiliano Allegri, Manager of SSC Napoli, talks with Matteo Politano of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between SSC Napoli and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 20, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
If Napoli conceded three goals, they at least created a lot more going forward this time, scoring four times and coming close in other situations too.
“Naturally, the more quality players you have on the field, the better, but it’s also true that results change your opinion,” insisted Allegri.
“In Florence and Venice, we had scoring opportunities where we got the final pass wrong, the same was true against Inter and Como. What we absolutely must improve is the sense of fragility. When you are fragile, you don’t attack or defend as effectively.”