Allegri has decided to renew Napoli's midfield strategy, focusing on a more defensive role for Luka Modric and, in parallel, for Kevin DeBruyne. The coach explained that, at 40, Modric can extend his career if he takes a step back and places himself in front of the defense, similar to figures like Busquets or Casemiro. The Croatian accepted the proposal, asking why he hadn't already changed roles at Real Madrid, where the position was reserved for those with the right physique. Allegri recalled that, in Ancelotti's last great Real Madrid, the director was Kroos, not Modric, and that the Croatian played a leading role in Milan.
As for DeBruyne, Allegri repeated the same request at the start of the season: to go further back to start the action with the highest quality. The Belgian, at 35 years old, responded with a "no thanks", preferring to play in front of the defence, as demonstrated by his numbers: 203 goals and 300 assists in his career. The coach explained the decision after the 3‑0 win over Frosinone, highlighting that DeBruyne had to adapt to the team's needs, dropping down about twenty meters to contribute with a key pass, a brace and a champion's management. The Belgian midfielder then started playing with McTominay again, demonstrating his versatility.
The most significant change, however, occurred in the defense. In the last five matches, Napoli had conceded six goals, the only club in the upper-middle part of the table to concede more goals, Inter. Allegri then decided to switch to a three-man defence, with Badiashile alongside Rrahmani and RafaMarin, leaving DiLorenzo in the winger role. This new formation allowed Napoli to remedy their defensive fragility and achieve a 3‑0 win over Frosinone, moving the club forward in the standings. The Frenchman, who had received criticism when he entered the SanSiro, ended the 90 minutes amidst applause.
Allegri also highlighted his ability to “smell the winds,” a metaphor that describes his ability to predict game dynamics and adapt quickly. Although he is not a direct rival of Chivu or Gasperini, his strategic approach positions him as a potential key player for the Champions League zone. With the new defensive structure and the reorganization of the midfield, Napoli seems ready to consolidate their position in SerieA and compete at international level.