In a disappointing performance at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Napoli fell to a 2-1 defeat against Como, prompting coach Massimiliano Allegri to express concerns about his team's defensive fragility. The loss, which took place on August 30, 2026, saw Napoli struggle to maintain composure at the back, leading to critical goals from their opponents.
All the goals in the match occurred during the first half. Como took the lead with a strike from Martin Baturina, followed by an equalizer from Napoli’s Rasmus Hojlund. However, Anastasios Douvikas restored Como's advantage shortly thereafter, scoring the decisive goal before halftime. Allegri's side was unable to recover, showcasing a lack of defensive discipline that he was quick to address in his post-match comments.
“At times we are too soft; on the other hand, we also had several chances,” Allegri remarked after the match, emphasizing the need for greater defensive awareness. He noted that the team had misplaced numerous passes and highlighted the critical moments leading to Como's second goal, stating, “You can’t give away two chances in twenty seconds.” This pointed critique reflects a broader concern about Napoli's ability to handle pressure situations effectively.
In addition to the defensive shortcomings, Allegri also discussed the fitness of key players, particularly Scott McTominay, who was replaced before the hour mark. Allegri revealed that McTominay has been struggling with blisters, which have limited his training and match readiness. “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,” he explained.
Another notable player, Kevin De Bruyne, made a late appearance in the match, coming on in the second half as he continues to regain his fitness. Allegri acknowledged De Bruyne's improvement but stressed the necessity for the team to enhance their defensive organization. “There’s one thing we absolutely need to improve: we have to be more attentive when defending,” he stated.
Despite the setbacks, there were some positive moments for Napoli, including the return of David Neres, who came off the bench after an extended absence. Allegri praised Neres's performance, noting the challenges of returning to play after eight months. “Lang played a good game. Neres had not played for eight months,” he mentioned, indicating a glimmer of hope for the squad's depth moving forward.
Looking ahead, Napoli's schedule does not ease up, as they prepare for a challenging away match against Inter next Saturday, followed by their Champions League opener at home against Arsenal on September 9. Allegri's comments underscore the urgency for Napoli to address their defensive issues and improve their overall performance as they aim to compete at a high level in both Serie A and European competitions.
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