Allegri Left With Four Midfielders for Arsenal Champions League Test
Addressing reporters in a formal press briefing at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri provided a stark assessment of his squad’s fitness levels ahead of their European opening fixture.
The manager detailed an acute personnel shortage affecting his central options as the club prepares to face UEFA Champions League opponents Arsenal.
Arsenal
clubAllegri Details Midfield Shortages and Rejects System Changes Ahead of Arsenal Clash
Asked about potential tactical adjustments given his squad’s sudden physical setbacks, Allegri directly addressed the structural approach and availability figures in his pre-match media conference:
“Absolutely not, there will not be a change of system. As you know, McTominay had an operation this morning, but we’ve also lost Anguissa, who had an adductor problem today. It’s a question mark over David Neres too, we’ll see if his knee is still bothering him tomorrow morning, because he might be out too. I’ve only got four midfielders, so three of them will start tomorrow.”
The loss of Scott McTominay following morning heart surgery alongside an adductor issue for Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa leaves the Partenopei severely restricted in the centre of the pitch. By committing to his existing tactical framework despite having only four fit central options, Allegri places extreme physical demands on the remaining personnel for the upcoming fixture.
Massimiliano Allegri
coachAllegri Assesses Arsenal Threat and Group Phase Targets in European Campaign
Expanding on the broader contours of the league phase under UEFA governance, the Napoli coach highlighted the competitive standard set by their upcoming opponents:
“Tomorrow is a different competition from Serie A, a sort of mini-league, where we need 12 points to secure qualification for the next round,” said Allegri in his press conference. “Arsenal are the vice-champions of Europe, won the Premier League, and Mikel Arteta has done an extraordinary job in the last four years. We know the difficulties of this match, which we must go into with pride and the desire to do well.”
Operating within the expanded league phase format overseen by UEFA, clubs targeting progression typically require a baseline of 12 points. Acknowledging Mikel Arteta’s four-year project that transformed Arsenal into English champions and European finalists, Allegri emphasized that his side must transition their focus away from recent domestic defeats in Serie A against Como and Inter.