Napoli name Meret, De Bruyne and Höjlund to face Roma

Allegri has picked Meret in goal, with Milinkovic-Savic on the bench. The back four in front of him is Rrahmani, Rafa Marín, Di Lorenzo and Spinazzola. Badiashile, Olivera and Beukema are among the substitutes.

In midfield, McTominay, De Bruyne and Anguissa get the nod. Anguissa wins the contest with Lobotka, who starts on the bench alongside Gilmour. Up front are Höjlund, Politano and Lang. Lucca and Giovane are substitutes, while Neres and Alisson Santos are unavailable.

It is an XI built on physical, structured players, with De Bruyne as the creative reference point.

Against Roma, Allegri has not changed his approach. He chooses the men who bring power and presence, and leaves out Lobotka, who gives the passing its order. That can be read as caution or as a choice for intensity.

The fanbase has spent weeks asking for a more recognisable style of play and a less fragile defence. It will judge on what it sees.

Roma are third on 17 points. Napoli are tenth on 10 and still looking for consistency. The Maradona wants a team that shows an idea from the start.

This XI has the quality to do it. After the defeat at Venezia, nobody is waiting for explanations. They are waiting for the match.