Allegri Criticized? Pastore: "For the Game, Como's Best Defense is Now Offensive..."

The first half of Genoa-Napoli reignited discussions about Allegri's playing style. However, Napoli possesses a strong squad capable of maintaining high performance levels. Giuseppe Pastore, a journalist for Cronache di spogliatoio, shared his insights on these topics and more during an interview with Radio Tutto Napoli. He stated, "Genoa-Napoli? I expected exactly the performance they delivered. A Napoli with its pauses, a low tempo, zero risk, and then a gradual increase in intensity to win the match. When this happens again, because I believe it will, we shouldn't dismiss it all as luck or coincidence: there's a game plan, a psychological strategy even before a tactical one from Allegri. I expected a better second half than the first and more impactful substitutions. Allegri minimizes risk, prioritizes the defensive phase, and believes a goal will eventually come. This Napoli team has what it takes to finish at least in the top four."

Allegri appears very calm despite a transfer market without major investments.
"Allegri's communication is completely different from Conte's. Get used to smooth press conferences, free of controversy or messages against his own club. Even when there's an unfavorable refereeing decision, he's unlikely to create a fuss in front of the microphones. De Laurentiis probably couldn't wait to have a coach like this. Allegri already knew this would be a market of opportunities and savings after the significant spending last year. He knows, however, that he has a team that can perform exceptionally well, especially in Europe."

Do you see Napoli competing for the Scudetto?
"At this moment, in my opinion, Napoli is far from Inter, not so much in terms of squad value but in their sustained game. I believe that the style of play will be the aspect for which Allegri will be most frequently criticized, seeing as other teams are heading in a different direction. This Napoli can comfortably achieve 75 points, while reaching 80 and above will require further evaluation. There isn't just one way to win in football, but in the last four years, Allegri has won one Coppa Italia. And last year, for instance, Como, a team that attacks, had the best defense."

Do you have doubts about the motivation of a group coming off very intense seasons?
"This is an important point. We need to understand if this group still has the fire after two years with Conte and, for some players, even after the Scudetto with Spalletti. Allegri needs to instill new motivations in the team, a drive that needs to be ignited. This is why I see Napoli doing well in the Champions League, where they need to make amends for last year's disaster. In the league, I think they'll be there, but I don't see them as major protagonists at this moment."

Who can be best developed by Allegri?
"I have few doubts: I'd say Rrahmani. For me, he is an incredibly underestimated player and was Napoli's best player after McTominay in the Scudetto year. Like all defenders, I believe he will perform even better in Allegri's system because he will be protected and valued by the team's positioning on the field. Rrahmani will be the cornerstone of a defense that still has several question marks."

And what do you expect from De Bruyne?
"I expect a lot. Last year he put himself out there by disagreeing with his coach, and now he has something to atone for with how he ended the season. I expect him to make himself available to Allegri and for a relationship similar to the one Max had with Modric at Milan to emerge: a great champion who almost manages himself, without being confined to rigid schemes and movements. Allegri can grant him freedom of movement and thought, something that great champions truly appreciate. The main issue remains his physical condition."