Allegri’s return to European competition with Napoli is almost a failure

Massimiliano Allegri’s difficult start to Napoli’s Champions League campaign has intensified scrutiny of his European record. The defeat against Villarreal was no isolated setback, but another chapter in a troubling run featuring eight losses, one draw and just one victory across his last ten matches in the competition.

The decline began during Juventus’ 2022 knockout campaign, when Villarreal eliminated the Italian side after a 3-0 victory in Turin. The following season brought further disappointment, with Juventus struggling throughout the group stage despite beating Maccabi Haifa.

Allegri’s return to European competition with Napoli has offered little improvement. After losing 1-0 to Arsenal, his team suffered a 3-1 defeat against Villarreal, conceding three times after taking the lead.

Although Allegri previously guided Juventus to two Champions League finals, his recent statistics reveal persistent difficulties. Napoli must now find consistency to reverse the trend and revive its European ambitions.