Napoli revealed, in a match that ended 3-3 against Roma, the defensive fragilities that are marking the Neapolitan club's season. Massimiliano Allegri, visibly frustrated, commented on the defeat immediately, accusing the team of failing to maintain the lead and defend in a low block. In the match, after an own goal at 3-2 against Bodo-Glimt, Roma's third goal represented a further breaking point for the Nerazzurri, who have already lost seven points in eight league days.
Allegri tried to justify Napoli's performance, stating that they had changed formation to increase the attack and that they had "conceded many goals". However, the numbers speak for themselves: in eleven games the team conceded 17 goals, over 1.5 goals per game, with a goal difference of +1. This average of goals conceded is higher than that of a top-flight team and casts doubt on the club's European ambitions. The coach also underlined that the players "must stay calm" because the performance is improving, but the defensive reality remains worrying.
Napoli are currently tenth in the table, with the possibility of falling further after the defeat against Roma. The team has already shown difficulty in managing the lead, as also demonstrated in the match against Villarreal in the Champions League, where they dropped points despite dominating. Allegri, known for leading clubs with solid defences, had to deal with the reality that, in 43 fewer games than his first season in Serie A, he had conceded half the goals his successful team had conceded in the past.
The match also saw an episode from Beukema, who lost control of the ball in the third part, opening the door for Balerdi to score his first double with Roma. Such moments highlight Napoli's lack of defensive concentration, appearing unable to maintain pressure when their opponents try to score.
Looking to the future, Napoli will face a series of challenges to improve their defense and consolidate their position in the league table. The next match will present an opportunity to remedy defensive mistakes and demonstrate that the team can compete with top-level clubs. For Allegri, the pressure will be twofold: he will have to find a balance between aggressive attack and defensive solidity, so that the team can aspire to more ambitious results both in the league and in European competitions.