NAPLES - Three wins in eight matches between Serie A and the Champions League, a team still looking for consistency and an away game that already takes on a significant weight. Massimiliano Allegri's Napoli The team will restart in Venice, where they will face Davide Nicola's team on Saturday at 3:00 PM. The goal is to return to winning ways after their European defeat against Villarreal and reverse a disappointing start to the season.
(PRIMASPORT) The Italian coach, however, doesn't want to talk about a crisis. On the eve of the Penzo match, he's opting for a pragmatic approach, focusing on solutions rather than difficulties.
«I'm not worried, solutions must be found for problems.»", Allegri stated in the press conference, reiterating the need to approach the match with determination but without underestimating the opponents.
Napoli, Allegri clarifies the De Bruyne situation: "There was a misunderstanding."«
One of the most discussed topics after the Champions League defeat against Villarreal concerns the relationship between the coach and Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian midfielder was involved in a tense incident with Allegri during the match in Spain, raising questions about the player's management.
The technician, however, downplays the incident and assures that the issue has already been resolved.
«There was a misunderstanding with him at a particular moment in the match, because we went from 0-1 down to 2-1, but that was it. Other things will happen, he's intelligent and he understood.».
Allegri's words seek to put an end to the controversy, bringing the focus back to the team's commitments.
Hojlund nears rest, Lucca can start
Ahead of the trip to Venice, Allegri is also considering some changes to the attack.
Rasmus Hojlund He has accumulated several minutes between the league and the Champions League and could benefit from a rest.
«Hojlund has played a lot of games, maybe he will need some rest», explains the technician.
A possible exclusion of the Dane from the starting eleven would open the way to Lorenzo Lucca, in whom Allegri continues to show confidence despite the criticism received in recent weeks.
«Lucca also came in well the other day in Spain, he had a couple of favorable situations and moved well. He has quality, I think he can also make his contribution in terms of goals.».
The coach openly defends the attacker, especially emphasizing his attitude.
«I think it's been criticized too much. Sometimes players are targeted who are extremely.... The important thing is that, as he has always done so far, he has always put in the effort and entered the field with the right mentality.".
For Lucca, therefore, an important opportunity could arise to gain ground and trust.
Allegri: "Venice must be respected, but don't look at the standings."«
Although Venezia is still stuck on zero points, Allegri warns Napoli against underestimating the challenge.
The team coached by David Nicola, according to the Italian coach, has shown superior quality to what the standings suggest.
«It's a match that we absolutely must try to win and we can do so by playing with great respect and humility., immersing ourselves in what will be the game.".
Allegri also reserved words of appreciation for the opposing coach.
«Nicola is a coach who managed an unthinkable save against Crotone and other saves. He's an excellent coach. and above all he coaches a team that has zero points in the standings but important qualities, because it creates a lot and has played good matches.".
A clear warning to their players: Napoli must face the away match with the right concentration, regardless of the position occupied by their opponents.
Penzo and the pitfalls of the trip
Among the difficulties of the match, Allegri also recalls the characteristics of the Venetian stadium.
«Venice is always a difficult pitch; it's smaller, and the ball doesn't move as well. You have to adapt to the environment.».
The coach therefore asks for a team capable of interpreting different game situations, without thinking that the match can be resolved solely through greater technical quality.
For Napoli, coming off a season marked by inconsistent results, the match represents an important step towards regaining confidence and consistency.
The balance of three victories in the first eight official races requires a response on the pitch, especially after the European defeat against Villarreal.
Allegri doesn't seek excuses or fuel tensions. He closes the De Bruyne case, defends Lucca, and points the way forward: rediscover success through balance, concreteness and the ability to adapt.
Venice will need the three points above all else. (PRIMASPORT)
