Massimiliano Allegri expects a demanding encounter against Roma, praising the Giallorossi’s progress under Gian Piero Gasperini and identifying Donyell Malen as a major threat ahead of their meeting at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Napoli coach stressed the importance of responding to the defeat at Venezia while acknowledging the confidence of the visitors.
“Roma Are Playing Well and Have Enthusiasm”
Allegri highlighted Roma’s consistency since last season, when they secured qualification for the Champions League.
“It means a lot because it is Napoli–Roma, an important match. Roma have been doing very well since last year; last season they qualified for the Champions League, and now they are close to first place.
“It will be a difficult match because Roma are playing well and have enthusiasm. It would be nice to get back on track in the league after the slip-up at Venezia.”
However, he resisted presenting the fixture as a decisive moment in Napoli’s season.
“It is not the final game of the season that decides whether you qualify for the Champions League or win the title. It is the eighth league match. We need to improve the areas of our game where we are lacking.”
Allegri singled out Napoli’s defensive organisation as one such area.
“When we are out of possession, opponents get through us too easily, and we need to improve that. We must try to achieve consistent results because only a sequence of results allows you to catch the teams at the top.”
Allegri Identifies Malen Threat
Asked about the possibility of fielding a new centre-back partnership, Allegri expressed confidence in his defenders but made clear that containing Malen would be essential.
“It is not a problem. Individually, the players have excellent quality, so I do not think there will be any issues. We face strong players such as Malen, who is doing extremely well, so we will have to limit him.”
He also expects Gasperini’s approach to make the contest physically demanding.
“Roma, like Gasperini’s teams, come after you man-to-man. Matches can be more enjoyable and entertaining if you get a result. Without that, it becomes a problem. It will be a physical game requiring a great deal of energy, and we will need technique.”
Rrahmani Has Fever as Napoli Assess Options
Allegri revealed that Amir Rrahmani was suffering from a fever, while several other players are still building their fitness.
“Apart from Rrahmani, who has a fever today, the others are all well.”
The coach also discussed the condition of Scott McTominay and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, as well as a possible place in the squad for Antonio Vergara.
“McTominay is recovering his fitness, as is Anguissa, who played 60 minutes in the Champions League. He had not played since September 5, and we will see whether to field him.
“We will assess Vergara today to decide whether to take him on the bench.”
De Bruyne Could Play Deeper
Kevin De Bruyne’s potential use in a deeper midfield role was another topic, with Allegri emphasising the need to manage workloads.
“Players like him have characteristics that allow them to play in front of the defence or in a midfield pair. We have important players there, such as Lobotka and Gilmour.
“Lobotka has played a lot since the start of the season, including for his national team. Managing energy is very important when matches are so close together.”
For Napoli, the priority is translating improvements into results. For Roma, Allegri’s comments underline the challenge awaiting them: opponents seeking a response, but fully aware of the threat Gasperini’s side carry.
Source: Massimiliano Allegri’s pre-match press conference.
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