Allegri: Napoli and De Bruyne must ‘do more’, we ‘threw the ball away’ against Arsenal | OneFootball

Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri is aware that the Partenopei must ‘do more’ after losing three games in a row: ‘There’s little to talk about and only to do.’

Allegri’s Napoli host Bologna tomorrow, Sunday, September 13, and will look to bounce back after a shocking start to the season, with three losses in four games across all competitions.

“Tomorrow is our chance to start winning at home. We haven’t done it yet; there’s little to be said,” Allegri said via TuttoNapoli.

“We know where we are: three defeats in a row. There’s little to talk about and only to do. Tomorrow we have the chance to get three points against Bologna, who achieved a good result against Sassuolo. They are well-coached and technically strong, but tomorrow is very important for us; it’s clear to everyone.”

NAPLES, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 09: Massimiliano Allegri, Manager of SSC Napoli, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 09, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Frank Zambo Anguissa won’t be available because of a muscle problem.

“Anguissa is out, along with McTominay, Marianucci, and Giovane,” Allegri said.

“Neres is feeling better, and Lang is available. We have enough players to approach the game in the best way. Tomorrow is a game of great responsibility. From here on, we will have an important period to sort out the rankings and tackle the next nine as best we can.”

Lang was omitted from Napoli’s squad for their midweek match against Arsenal due to a disciplinary issue during a training session.

“It ended there. He apologised; we have solutions with Neres, Lang, De Bruyne, Vergara, Lucca, Hojlund, Politano… we have attacking options, and we’ll decide on the line-up tomorrow,” Allegri said.

NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Noa Lang of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Amin Sarr of Hellas Verona FC during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 07, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“Then there are the substitutions, long game.”

What do Napoli need to bounce back and return to winning ways?

“It’s very simple; there’s only one way: we’re the only ones who can turn the trend around; it’s not like anyone will give us anything,” Allegri replied.

“We need serenity and responsibility, understanding the importance of the match. The result is the most important thing because, in the end, it is what changes everyone’s mood, let alone our own.

“It’s true that we faced Como, an excellent team, Inter, who are the strongest in the league, and Arsenal, but certainly, if the performances we put in that way weren’t enough in both phases, there are evidently a few pieces missing that need to be done tomorrow to win the match, and it’s not easy at all.

“In these moments, you perceive more darkness than what truly exists. In the end, performance is one thing, and you can absolutely improve both phases, but the result affects you.

NAPLES, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 09: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts with Massimiliano Allegri, Manager of SSC Napoli, before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 09, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“Sometimes you win games you don’t deserve, and you get results; other times, the opposite happens.

“We played good parts of the game, and some less good. We also did it against Arsenal, perhaps conceding a few too many shots, but tomorrow the result is fundamental, and we’ll need everyone,” Allegri continued.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo said after the loss against Arsenal that Napoli players still struggle to understand what’s not working.

“Di Lorenzo is the captain; he’s a very responsible guy, an extraordinary player, but we’ve been through a lot of these moments in our careers,” Allegri said.

“The important thing is to face them with courage, seeing less darkness than there is.

“If you’re good on June 30th, you’re good on December 30th and June 30th next year. Sometimes you lack players or form, and things go less well. It’s nice to hear that everyone explains football, but football is great for that because it’s unpredictable.

NAPLES, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 09: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 09, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

“We analysed the matches, as always. It’s not like we analyse them if we lose, but we don’t if we win. We prepared for the match, respected Bologna, and added something extra in both phases, knowing the match would be long.

“In all games, you can do better in both phases. With Arsenal, we did well technically; we could have done better in the build-up. We threw the ball away; in potential goal-scoring chances, we made the wrong choice.”

Kevin De Bruyne has said that this is already his best version, but Allegri didn’t quite agree.

“I think he can do better. He put in a good performance; I’m happy with him like everyone else, but if this isn’t enough, we all have to do more,” said the Napoli boss.

“Responsibility tomorrow is important; results tomorrow come before performance.

“Through performance, you have to get results. There are also other opponents. I would like to keep the ball for 90 minutes and take 30 shots, but there are also opponents, and in those moments you can’t concede. We conceded, but we also had chances. If that hasn’t been enough so far, we need more. There’s no performance tomorrow, good or not, but we have to try to take it home.

“Results change opinions, but structurally this team needs more time; some come from a few games in the legs,” Allegri concluded.

“I’m very confident: our toughest matches are tomorrow and in Florence. Then, after the break, we’ll also improve physically.”