Allegri sent off in 3-3 draw with Roma, says Badiashile injury will be assessed within 48 hours

Napoli's head coach says he was sent from the bench for no reason and promises a more attacking side. Badiashile, injured after coming on, is a doubt for the next game.

by Gennaro SanninoSaturday 24 October, 21:40 CET· 1 hour ago

Allegri — Foto: calciomercato.com

Napoli drew 3-3 with Roma on Saturday 24 October, and head coach Allegri finished the night sent off from the bench. He was furious afterwards.

Speaking to DAZN, he said: "The fourth official called the referee back and sent me off, but I said absolutely nothing. Every time I get up from the bench I get thrown out. I am very angry about the end of the game." He added: "From now on I sit on the bench and don't move. I see others come onto the pitch and turn things around. I was there all night and I got thrown out."

On the match itself, Allegri was clear: "Tonight the team played a good game against Roma, who are strong, then we conceded the third goal and there is little we can do." He admitted points had slipped away: "Tonight and at Venice we left points on the table."

Napoli led 2-0 and then 3-2 before Balerdi equalised in the 89th minute. After eight rounds of fixtures Napoli are ninth on 11 points. Roma, who have caught them, have 18.

The defence has been criticised by supporters for weeks. Allegri answered by changing the subject: "Defence? I have changed the way I play, today I want to play everything in attack. From now on, if I can, I will even play four forwards."

That does not reassure anyone who watched three goals go in. Saying the team will attack, after a game in which Napoli were pegged back twice, does not answer who protects a lead. That is our reading, and many in Naples share it.

Asked about De Bruyne as a playmaker, the coach was cautious: "He cannot play the whole game, we have Lobotka, Gilmour, and the spirit of the team must be this." On Højlund, who has not scored since 5 September, he said: "He had three good chances and played well, the goals will come."

Allegri also made an admission: "Tonight I'm not too lucid, sorry, after 25 years I can make mistakes too."

Badiashile is the open question. "He had an injury and we will assess him over the next 48 hours," Allegri said, giving no further detail. The defender started on the bench, and his appearance, it seems, did not pass without damage.

Napoli's next game is Monza v Napoli at the U-Power Stadium on Wednesday 28 October at 20:45 CET (19:45 UK, 14:45 ET). We should know by then whether Badiashile is available, and what defence Napoli will field.