Allegri fresh De Bruyne tension after Napoli crumble 3-1 with Villarreal

SSC Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri expressed frustration following a 3-1 Champions League loss to Villarreal. Allegri criticized his team's defensive lapses and lack of midfield pressure during the match.
Why it matters
The loss highlights the tactical challenges and high-pressure environment of elite European club football.
Max Allegri confessed to more tension with Kevin De Bruyne during Napoli's 3-1 defeat to Villarreal . 'If the midfield doesn't press or help out, you're going to struggle.'
The Partenopei leave Spain bruised and battered, as they had taken the lead through Amir Rrahmani, only to visibly crumble under the weight of their own errors.
A terrible Matteo Politano back-pass allowed Georges Mikautadze to equalise, followed moments later by the Santiago Mourino scorcher from distance.
Just as Napoli seemed ready to get back into it, they fell apart with Tani Oluwaseyi finishing off the 3-1 scoreline.
NAPLES, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Massimiliano Allegri SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 13, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in