Headline: Napoli’s Allegri Criticizes Team’s Defense After Loss to Como
NAPLES, ITALY – Massimiliano Allegri expressed disappointment with Napoli’s defensive performance following a 2-1 defeat at home to Como on Sunday. He noted that his team was “too soft” in key moments, particularly in defense, and revealed that midfielder Scott McTominay is currently struggling with blisters that have hindered his fitness for both games and training.
The match saw all goals scored in the first half, with Como taking the lead twice—first through Martin Baturina and then Anastasios Douvikas, who netted the decisive goal before halftime. Rasmus Hojlund equalized for Napoli but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
In an interview with DAZN via TuttoNapoli, Allegri stated, “At times we are too soft; on the other hand, we also had several chances.” He emphasized the need for the team to recognize when they can and cannot play the ball out from the back effectively. “We misplaced several passes. The main thing is that we were too soft in the way we conceded the goals, especially the second one. You can’t give away two chances in twenty seconds.”
During the match, Kevin De Bruyne was brought on in the second half, while McTominay, who faced fitness issues, was substituted before the hour mark, a rare occurrence compared to previous seasons under Antonio Conte.
“De Bruyne is feeling better,” Allegri noted, adding, “There’s one thing we absolutely need to improve: we have to be more attentive when defending.”
The coach also remarked on the importance of managing game situations effectively, stating, “When you concede a corner or a shot at the end of the first half, you have to make sure you go into the break at 1-1.” He explained that McTominay has been training on a limited basis due to his blisters, expressing hope for an improvement in his form soon.
In addition, David Neres made a return late in the match, coming on in the 80th minute, while Noa Lang started on the left flank. Allegri commented positively on Lang’s performance, while also acknowledging that Neres had not played for eight months.
“It’s more difficult to recover at this point in the season. Inter and Arsenal won’t define Napoli’s season. We were too soft in today’s game; it’s something we must work on,” he concluded.
Napoli will face Inter in their next Serie A match next Saturday, followed by the start of their Champions League campaign at home against Arsenal on September 9.
Massimiliano Allegri insists Napoli were ‘too soft’ against Como, especially in defence, and reveals Scott McTominay is not fully fit due to ‘blisters’ that have affected him in games and training sessions.
Napoli suffered a 2-1 home loss to Como on Sunday.
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All goals were scored in the first half, with Como taking the lead twice, first with Martin Baturina and then with Anastasios Douvikas, who scored the winning goal before the break.
Rasmus Hojlund had netted the equaliser for the Partenopei.
NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Massimiliano Allegri, Manager of Napoli and Cesc Fabregas, Manager of Como interact before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Allegri’s comments after Napoli 1-2 Como
“At times we are too soft; on the other hand, we also had several chances,” Allegri told DAZN via TuttoNapoli.
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“We need to understand when we can’t play our way out and when we can. Technically, we misplaced several passes. The main thing is that we were too soft in the way we conceded the goals, especially the second one. You can’t give away two chances in twenty seconds.”
Kevin De Bruyne was only introduced in the second half, while McTominay was replaced before the hour mark, which was quite uncommon to see in the previous two campaigns under Antonio Conte.
“De Bruyne is feeling better. There’s one thing we absolutely need to improve: we have to be more attentive when defending,” Allegri added.
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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“When you concede a corner or a shot at the end of the first half, you have to make sure you go into the break at 1-1.
“McTominay had some problems with blisters, so he’s been training on a limited basis. Hopefully, we can get him into the best possible condition as soon as possible.”
David Neres returned to action towards the end of the game as he was subbed on at minute 80, while Noa Lang started on the left flank for the Partenopei.
“Lang played a good game. Neres had not played for eight months,” Allegri said.
NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Scott McTominay of Napoli is challenged by Lucas Da Cunha of Como during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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“It’s more difficult to recover at this point in the season. Inter and Arsenal won’t define Napoli’s season. We were too soft in today’s game; it’s something we must work on.”
Napoli’s next Serie A game is away at Inter next Saturday, while on September 9, they’ll begin their Champions League campaign at home against Arsenal.
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