Allegri Downplays Napoli's Scudetto Mood Before Inter Clash

Massimiliano Allegri played down the mood around Napoli's league position going into Saturday's meeting with Inter at San Siro (17.00 UK time), after the 2-1 home defeat to Como left the Partenopei needing a response against last season's top two sides.

"I understand that at Napoli it's either over-excitement or depression, but we are only in Week 3," Allegri said. "We're disappointed to have lost to Como, but there must be balance, there are so many games still to be played. We didn't even put in a bad performance, but tomorrow is a head-to-head between the top two in the last two seasons. We go forward with confidence, then we can think about the upcoming fixtures."

Napoli go into the fixture dealing with a host of absentees, ruled out for several weeks after heart surgery, and Giovane, injured against Como, on top of long-term absentees Alessandro Buongiorno and Luca Marianucci. Allegri argued the timing could have been worse.

"Injuries happen, but if you think that after the break for international duty there are nine matches in 26 days, it's better to have those injuries now so everyone can recover in time for that spell."

Asked whether the absences open the door for more minutes for confirmed player name, Allegri was cautious. "I don't think we should put too much responsibility onto the shoulders of Vergara. He's a good player, but I think he only has 12 games for Napoli, so we've got to take it easy."

Simone Inzaghi, twice beaten by Allegri's sides last season and still without a win against him, struck a respectful tone before facing his Napoli counterpart.

Inter arrive on the back of wins over Monza and Cagliari.

Saturday's game is Napoli's third of the season, and comes before the run of fixtures Allegri flagged after the international break.