Allegri explains surprising Napoli changes for Como match and Conte difference
Quick summary
Massimiliano Allegri addressed the media to explain unexpected lineup decisions in Napoli's match against Como, also commenting on differences with Antonio Conte's approach.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMax Allegri recognises he has a different approach to Antonio Conte at Napoli, and explains some of his surprising changes for today’s match against Como.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s three Serie A games on the Liveblog.
NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 14: Massimiliano Allegri new SSC Napoli head coach with Aurelio De Laurentiis SSC Napoli president Massimiliano Allegri is presented as the new SSC Napoli head coach at Teatro di San Carlo on July 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) The Partenopei opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory away to Genoa, and Allegri had been expected to stick with the same starting XI.
However, there were two changes, as Matias Olivera steps in for Leonardo Spinazzola, and Noa Lang goes from the transfer list to replacing Alisson Santos.
Allegri outlines Napoli adjustments GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of Napoli before the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) “It was a technical choice for this game, both Lang and Olivera are on the same level as those who started against Genoa. It will be very hot and humid today, so the substitutions could be decisive for the outcome,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
Playing in Naples at the end of August means there was always the risk of extreme temperatures, and the humidity levels are also causing concerns at the Stadio Maradona this evening.
NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 14: New SSC Napoli head coach Massimiliano Allegri is unveiled at Teatro di San Carlo on July 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) “Como have a remarkable ability to control possession, but above all we cannot allow them to pick up the pace, as when they break the lines and go on the counter, they are very dangerous. We’ve got to control the game, I doubt the tempo will be very high in these temperatures, so we’ve got to be precise in our passing.”
NAPLES, ITALY – JULY 14: New SSC Napoli head coach Massimiliano Allegri is unveiled at Teatro di San Carlo on July 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) The interviews from many of the Napoli players so far this summer have mentioned that Allegri is a lot more personable and ready to joke around with his squad than predecessor Conte, who was entirely focused on his work rather than creating a connection.
“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,” shrugged Allegri.
“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.”
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What happened
Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri held a press conference ahead of the Serie A fixture against Como, where he explained surprising team selection changes. He also discussed tactical or philosophical differences with Antonio Conte, the other prominent figure in Italian football management. The comments provide insight into Allegri's thinking as Napoli continue their campaign. Como, the surprise package of the season, present a specific challenge that influenced the decisions.
Chance analysis
Allegri's willingness to publicly dissect his own selection calls signals a manager managing expectations while protecting his squad. The reference to Conte frames the conversation around the tactical identity battle at the top of Italian football, with Napoli under Allegri still forging their own approach. Como's rise means no fixture is routine, and Allegri's adjustments reflect a respect for the opposition's threat.
Napoli's tactical setup for the Como fixture is likely to differ from recent matches, with potential rotation or shape changes based on Allegri's comments.