Napoli are in a phase of deep defensive analysis after a series of disappointing performances in the Champions League, where the four Italian teams conceded a total of fourteen goals. Coach GennaroAllegri expressed strong frustration at the team's lack of ability to contain opposing attacks, citing in particular the matches against Frosinone and Villarreal, where defenders gave up 24 shots. According to Allegri, the team has lost the traditional Italian "peculiarity" of building victory starting from defense, a point that many consider fundamental for success on the pitch.
Over the course of the season, Allegri's tactics focused on "double play", a defensive model that involves the use of two central defenders capable of covering large areas and supporting the organization of the game. The use of Lobotka, in particular, was highlighted as a key element: the Slovakian defender drops down to intercept passes, recovers the ball and allows the team to maintain possession. Allegri also experimented with this scheme against Bologna and Florence, where the defense remained with four players, but recognized the need to adapt the formation based on the game situation.
To improve the defensive solidity, Allegri proposes to bring back the double play also with a three-man defence, inserting Di Lorenzo and Spinazzola on the sides of the midfield. These players, despite having an offensive role, would guarantee a five-man defensive coverage, with DeBruyne and McTominay in the center. This configuration, however, does not exclude an offensive approach with Neres, Lang and AlissonSantos in certain matches. The objective is to create a balance between defensive calm and the ability to push in attack, a combination which, according to Allegri, is essential to recover the club's competitiveness.
President AurelioDeLaurentiis reiterated the importance of honoring the Champions League, but also underlined the need to concentrate energy on the championship to ensure a good placement in the top four and, consequently, qualification for the next edition of the European tournament. According to DeLaurentiis, the revenue from the Champions League, which could double if Napoli were successful, is important, but the priority remains the national competition. The club's management therefore seems to opt for a player rotation strategy, avoiding "squeezing" the best in both competitions.
With the next away match in Venice, Napoli will have to demonstrate that they have fixed the defensive gaps and have found the right synthesis between attack and defense. If the team manages to stabilize its defensive line and maintain a consistent offensive rhythm, the prospects of finishing third or fourth in the league increase considerably, while the projection in the Champions League remains more uncertain. The club's future will depend on Allegri's ability to integrate double play with a more solid defense and to wisely manage both national and European challenges.