Allegri Flags Napoli Defensive Weakness After 4-3 Victory

Napoli secured a 4-3 Champions League victory over Bodo/Glimt at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, but manager Massimiliano Allegri warned that defensive vulnerabilities continue to threaten the team's performances. The Italian side twice surrendered leads before claiming the win through goals from Matteo Politano, Scott McTominay and Giovane.

According to comments reported by LiveScore on October 20, 2026, Allegri identified problems with Napoli's defensive positioning and ability to intercept passes near their penalty area. Despite scoring four goals, the team conceded three and allowed the Norwegian visitors to repeatedly threaten their advantage.

Allegri said Napoli's early mistakes made the match more difficult and emphasized the need for patient work on defensive organization. He highlighted the importance of closing passing lanes to prevent opponents from moving the ball into dangerous areas and to create opportunities for counterattacks.

"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.

The manager said Napoli must improve its ability to anticipate and disrupt opposition passes when defending close to its own penalty area. He identified this as an area requiring continued work rather than a problem that could be resolved immediately.

"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," Allegri said.

Kevin De Bruyne's role in midfield also drew attention after Allegri again deployed the Belgium international as a deeper playmaker. The decision came despite De Bruyne's reported preference for a different position, while Napoli also needed to manage the workload of Stanislav Lobotka.

Allegri expressed confidence that De Bruyne could thrive in the role and explained that Lobotka needed rest. Frank Anguissa also returned to the starting lineup for the first time since September 5, although the manager noted that his limited match fitness influenced Napoli's defensive positioning.

"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," Allegri said.

Anguissa played 60 minutes in his first start since September 5. Allegri also cautioned that McTominay, despite scoring twice against Bodo/Glimt, had not yet returned to his best level.

"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," Allegri said.

The manager pointed to Napoli's schedule as an opportunity to restore players to full match fitness, while reiterating that the team must improve its defensive interceptions. He also acknowledged that the quality of available players could strengthen the team's attacking options.

"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," Allegri said.

Napoli created more attacking opportunities against Bodo/Glimt than in several previous matches, but Allegri said the team's overall performance remained closely linked to its confidence and execution. He cited missed final passes in games against Fiorentina, Venezia, Inter and Como as examples of opportunities Napoli had failed to convert effectively.

"Naturally, the more quality players you have on the field, the better, but it's also true that results change your opinion," Allegri said.

Allegri maintained that Napoli's ability to attack and defend consistently depends on addressing what he described as a fragile mentality. The 4-3 result delivered a Champions League victory, but the three goals conceded left the manager with clear defensive concerns.

"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," Allegri said.