'We were too light!' - Massimiliano Allegri admits Napoli mistakes after 3-2 collapse against Inter as he calls for calm ahead of Champions League

Defensive fragility costs Napoli dearly

Allegri did not hold back in his assessment of Napoli's performance following a chaotic night in Milan. The visitors appeared to be in total control after goals from Matteo Politano and Rasmus Hojlund put them 2-0 up early in the second half. However, a spirited fightback from Cristian Chivu’s side saw the reigning champions overturn the deficit, culminating in a 91st-minute winner from Lautaro Martinez that left the Neapolitans empty-handed.

Speaking to the media after the final whistle, Allegri was quick to point out the specific turning point that allowed Inter back into the contest. "For the spectators it was a fun match, for us a bit less," the Napoli boss admitted. "We were up 2-0, then we conceded a goal that was too light and Inter changed their rhythm, creating difficulties for us. On the decisive goal we thought the ball had gone out and we stopped, but football is like this: we could have scored, they did."

Allegri demands improvement in focus

The defeat highlights a growing concern for Allegri regarding his side’s defensive stability, having now conceded five goals in just two matches. The manager emphasized that the issues are not necessarily tactical but rather related to individual focus and the ability to handle pressure when the opposition raises their intensity.

"It remains a good performance, especially in terms of ball management," Allegri explained when dissecting the tactical aspects of the loss. "In this moment we are paying too much for every mistake: we have conceded five goals in two games and we must improve, without thinking that the solution is only to defend inside the area. We are only at the third matchday, the condition will grow. Now we must stay calm and think about the Champions League."