Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri has looked ahead to Sunday’s Serie A home opener against Como, acknowledging the visitors’ quality while downplaying previous tensions with their manager Cesc Fabregas. The Partenopei host the ambitious Lombardy side at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium seeking to build on an opening-day victory.
Allegri’s side began their campaign with a 2-0 away win at Genoa last weekend, with substitutes Antonio Vergara and Kevin De Bruyne finding the net. However, the Italian coach cautioned against assuming the pair will automatically start against Como. “I haven’t decided yet. It’s not guaranteed that all games will be won once Vergara and De Bruyne are introduced,” Allegri said. “Every game is different, and we have to handle different moments.”
Fabregas feud dismissed
The build-up has focused partly on Allegri’s past clashes with Fabregas, which escalated last season after a Serie A meeting between Allegri’s former club Milan and Como. The Napoli boss insisted any friction is now irrelevant. “Tension leads to arguments, but that’s it. No problem,” he stated. “Allegri doesn’t play Fabregas tomorrow, but Napoli-Como.”
Allegri praised the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder’s coaching credentials, noting: “He is someone who truly promises very well; he has already achieved excellent results. Like him, there are many other young coaches who can do well, foreign but also Italian.” Como secured Champions League qualification last season, marking them as what Allegri described as “the new reality of Italian football.”
Badiashile fitness concern
The press conference also provided an update on summer arrival Benoît Badiashile. The defender joined on loan from Chelsea but faces a race to reach full match sharpness. “Badiashile is a bit behind; he has had limited training time with the Chelsea group and needs some time to catch up,” Allegri explained. “We are only at the beginning, and we need to think about the match against Como.”
Napoli have otherwise been quiet in the transfer market, adding only Costantino Favasuli from Serie B side Benevento alongside Badiashile. Allegri indicated he is prepared to stand pat before the window closes, citing satisfaction with his current options. “I’m happy with the team I have at my disposal,” he said. “It would make no sense to add players who don’t raise the team’s technical level. We have problems with the lists, and someone will have to remain out.”
Arsenal test on horizon
Beyond domestic duties, Allegri briefly addressed Napoli’s return to the Champions League. The Partenopei will open their 2026-27 group phase campaign at home against Arsenal. “You live to play these matches,” Allegri said. “In Europe, all the matches are difficult; there are no easy teams. Teams are organised tactically and physically.”
The manager stressed immediate focus remains on Como, however, noting the challenges posed by high temperatures and the need for technical discipline. At this stage of the season, players are not at peak fitness and the heat remains a significant factor, he concluded.