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5 September 2026

Massimiliano Allegri admitted Napoli “need to improve” after throwing away a 2-0 advantage to lose 3-2 against Inter in a thrilling Serie A encounter. “This is the proof that football is beyond logic.”

The Partenopei looked set for an impressive result at San Siro when Matteo Politano and Rasmus Hojlund scored within the space of three minutes.

But Inter fought back through Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, before their captain grabbed the winner in stoppage time.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Massimiliano Allegri, Napoli manager, gestures during the Serie A match between Inter and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

“It was hugely entertaining for the spectators and for Inter, but a little less enjoyable for us,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.

“The goal that made it 2-1 came too easily for them, then they went up another level because they have that quality, and they caused us problems. We thought the ball had gone out of play and stopped on the cross, but this is football.

“We could have scored the winner, and so could they, but in the end they did and that decided the game. This is the proof that football is beyond logic. We wanted to defend inside the box and then conceded a goal like that.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Lautaro Martinez of Inter scores his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Inter and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

This was Napoli’s second straight Serie A defeat, after they were also beaten 2-1 by Como last week.

“We need to improve. The performance was good, and we expected Inter to begin strongly, but even then we had favourable situations that we failed to make the most of.

“Inter suddenly came alive when they were 2-0 down, they are a very good team. Our display against Como was good too, but we are paying a heavy price for mistakes and we need to reduce or avoid them.

“This team’s fitness levels will improve. It is a pity about this moment, but now we switch our focus to the Champions League on Wednesday.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli looks on from the bench during the Serie A match between Inter and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

Kevin De Bruyne once again came off the bench, but this time appeared a little off the pace, while Antonio Vergara was chosen to replace Scott McTominay in midfield.

“Vergara did well, it was his first time playing in midfield, but he did it with intensity and quality. Four times in the first half, Alisson Santos lost the ball trying to control it with the sole of his boot, and in matches like these, you cannot make those errors. He is also coming back from an injury, so he is not yet in top condition,” Allegri explained.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Massimiliano Allegri, Napoli manager, gestures during the Serie A match between Inter and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

“There are positives to take from today, but the fact remains that we conceded five goals in two games. That does not mean we should stop defending inside the penalty area, but when we get the chance to score, we need to take it.

“If we let in three goals in 30 minutes, then clearly we have to do better. That does not take anything away from the performance of the lads.”

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli reacts during the Serie A match between Inter and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 05, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

There were questions from both teams over the refereeing, which reflected the new Serie A approach aimed at allowing fewer free-kicks and showing fewer cards.

“It was a good clash, entertaining to watch, with a lot of quality. The referee interfering less with play also helps the game, and they should be applauded for that. It is one of the reasons the match was so good this evening,” Allegri concluded.