Napoli arrive at Villarreal needing points to keep their Champions League campaign on course for a place in the competition in March, with Massimiliano Allegri warning that the trip to Spain will demand control as much as quality.
The Italian coach expects a different examination from Saturday’s match, facing a Villarreal side he believes are recovering after a difficult opening spell. Their performance in Madrid, he said, showed the level Napoli will meet at a stadium where European visitors are regularly tested.
Quick facts
- Napoli face Villarreal away in the Champions League.
- Allegri says the objective is to collect the points required to remain involved in March.
- Scott McTominay is close to returning and could start.
- Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will play in goal after recovering from injury.
- Alisson, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Mathías Olivera are expected back on Wednesday.
“It is a very difficult match,” Allegri said. “Villarreal did not have an easy start, but they are improving. They played extremely well in Madrid, where it is never simple. It is hard to play here, it is the Champions League, but we need the points to be in the competition in March.”
He called for Napoli to be clinical, organised and careful with possession. Villarreal, in his assessment, are tactically strong, concede little and have centre-backs capable of beginning attacks cleanly, alongside dangerous players in wide areas.
“We will need order and we cannot give the ball away,” Allegri said. “Champions League matches are difficult and this is a difficult stadium.”
Allegri declined to attach too much importance to whether Napoli use a back three. “I do not like talking about systems,” he said, arguing that a formation alone cannot guarantee a result. Saturday had been “a good match”, but Villarreal will present a separate challenge.
McTominay has improved and Allegri will decide on the day whether to use him from the opening whistle. The coach suggested that he could start, while stressing the need to manage players who are returning after months without football, including Neres.
The return of Alisson, Anguissa and Olivera on Wednesday would further strengthen the group. Allegri said having the squad together is crucial, particularly with a league fixture following immediately after the European night.
“We have to stay alert,” he said. “There is great enthusiasm in Naples, and we must take that passion from the city, but remain balanced.”
McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne have not yet played together, though Allegri pointed to other available midfield options, including Stanislav Lobotka. For the coach, the priority is having the strongest possible group at his disposal rather than forcing a particular partnership.
He also backed Lorenzo Lucca through a difficult period. Allegri said Napoli had invested heavily in the forward because of his significant qualities and believes he will settle, find his place and score goals.
Lucca and Rasmus Hojlund are Napoli’s reference points up front, Allegri added, urging the Italian striker to remain calm.
In goal, Milinkovic-Savic will start after his injury lay-off. Allegri said the selection was part of his management of the position and expressed satisfaction with both of Napoli’s goalkeepers.
