Max Allegri, Napoli’s new head coach, is already throwing curveballs, making two surprising changes to his starting XI for today’s match against Como. After opening their campaign with a solid 2-0 victory away to Genoa, most of us figured he would just roll with the same crew. Wrong.
Allegri’s Shakes Up the Lineup and His Reasoning
Allegri’s big moves include Matias Olivera stepping in for Leonardo Spinazzola, and even more shockingly, Noa Lang, who was just on the transfer list, is now replacing Alisson Santos in the lineup. Talk about a plot twist! Allegri explained these moves as “a technical choice for this game,” insisting that both Lang and Olivera are “on the same level” as the guys who started against Genoa. But there is another factor at play. Playing in Naples at the end of August means the heat is no joke. It is expected to be “very hot and humid today,” and Allegri himself admitted that these “extreme temperatures” and “humidity levels” are a major concern. He even hinted that “the substitutions could be decisive for the outcome.” Smart move, considering the conditions.
The Como Threat and Napoli’s Game Plan
So, what is the game plan with these new faces on the pitch? Allegri knows Como is no pushover. He called out their “remarkable ability to control possession,” and warned that if Napoli allows them to “pick up the pace,” Como is “very dangerous” when they “break the lines and go on the counter.” His strategy is clear: Napoli has “got to control the game.” With the temperatures still scorching, he doubts “the tempo will be very high,” so precision is key. Allegri emphasized, “we’ve got to be precise in our passing.” It sounds like a chess match brewing on the pitch, not just a sprint.
Allegri’s Style: A Breath of Fresh Air?
Beyond the tactical changes, Allegri’s personality is already making waves. Compared to his predecessor, Antonio Conte, Allegri is reportedly “a lot more personable and ready to joke around with his squad.” Conte was all business, “entirely focused on his work rather than creating a connection.” Allegri shrugged off the comparison, stating, “It is part of my way of working and how I am as a person, everyone has their own way and tries to get results.” He summed up his philosophy on the beautiful game perfectly: “Football is wonderful because it is so unpredictable, people say it is the sport of the Devil because whatever you prepare, the opposite tends to happen.” Today’s match against Como will be the first real test of his unpredictability and his new tactical choices. Will his changes lead to another victory, or will Como pull off a devilish upset? We’ll be watching to see how this early season drama unfolds.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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