Napoli's European campaign has hit a serious wall. A 3-1 defeat at Villarreal in the second Champions League matchday left Allegri's side without a point from their opening two games, sitting 27th in the competition standings and facing a steep climb to reach the knockout rounds. The result stung particularly because Napoli started well, taking the lead through Rrahmani, only to collapse after a costly error gifted Villarreal their equaliser. Allegri was blunt afterwards, saying the team became too frantic after conceding and failed to manage the game with the composure required at this level.

The defeat sharpens the contrast with what had been a genuinely encouraging return from the international break in Serie A. The 3-0 win over Frosinone at the Maradona saw Allegri switch to a back three, with Kevin De Bruyne dominant in a central midfield role, scoring twice and driving the team's best performance of the season. That result lifted Napoli to eighth in the table on 10 points from six games, level with Frosinone just below them.

The squad continues to carry a significant injury burden, with Buongiorno, Olivera, Anguissa and others still sidelined. McTominay returned to the starting lineup at Villarreal but is not yet at full sharpness. Napoli travel to Venezia on Saturday in Serie A, a fixture they will need to win to maintain any positive momentum after a damaging midweek in Spain.