Napoli have the chance to restore momentum against Roma after the setback in Venice, but Massimiliano Allegri has warned that the meeting is an important stage of the Serie A season rather than a verdict on it.
With the league campaign only at its eighth round, Napoli approach a demanding home fixture against a Roma side carrying confidence and sitting close to the summit. Allegri recognised the weight of a Napoli-Roma occasion while insisting that neither Champions League qualification nor the title will be determined by one Sunday afternoon.
“It matters a great deal because it is Napoli against Roma,” Allegri said. “Roma have been doing very well since last year. They reached the Champions League last season and now they are close to first place. They are in good form and have enthusiasm, so it will be difficult. It would be good to get our league run moving again after the slip in Venice.”
He added that the larger picture must remain in focus: “This is not the final match of the season that decides Champions League football or the Scudetto. It is the eighth league game.”
Roma’s intensity will test Napoli
Allegri expects an exacting contest against Gian Piero Gasperini’s Roma, particularly because of the visitors’ approach without the ball. He said Napoli will need both physical resilience and technical quality to deal with the pressure.
“Gasperini’s teams come after you man for man,” Allegri said. “Matches are more enjoyable when you get a result; without one, they become a problem. It will be a physical game with a major expenditure of energy, and technique will be needed.”
The Napoli coach also identified an area requiring improvement. “When we do not have possession, opponents get into us too easily. That is something we must improve.”
For Allegri, consistency remains the route back towards the leading positions. He believes Napoli have enough individual quality, but their progress depends on putting together a sequence of positive results.
Roma forward Donyell Malen was singled out as one of the threats Napoli must contain. “He is doing very well,” Allegri said. “We will have to limit him.”
Midfield decisions left until final session
Kevin De Bruyne’s role remains one of the principal selection questions. Allegri indicated that the Belgian has the versatility to play deeper, either in front of the defence or as part of a double midfield pivot, though Napoli also have Stanislav Lobotka and Billy Gilmour available in that area.
Lobotka’s workload is a consideration after a heavy start to the season that has also included international commitments. Allegri stressed the need to manage energy levels during a crowded run of fixtures and said the final decision would follow the last training session.
Anguissa is also being assessed after returning to action in the Champions League. The midfielder played 60 minutes after having been out since 5 September, while Scott McTominay is still working his way back towards full fitness.
“McTominay is recovering his condition,” Allegri said. “Anguissa also played 60 minutes in the Champions League, having not played since 5 September. We will see whether to start him tomorrow.”
Patience asked of Napoli forwards
Allegri expressed satisfaction with Rasmus Hojlund’s contribution and urged the striker to remain calm. He offered the same message to Lorenzo Lucca, arguing that the forward should be supported as he seeks to make his qualities count.
“I am pleased with what Hojlund is doing; he needs to stay relaxed,” Allegri said. Of Lucca, he added: “He has qualities. He must be supported and helped, and he has to remain calm. Football can change a difficult period into a positive one with a single ball.”
Napoli’s task against Roma is therefore clear: respond to the Venice defeat, withstand a forceful opponent and begin building the continuity Allegri sees as essential to their season.
