Napoli recall Meret, leave out Anguissa and McTominay for Bologna

Napoli's official line-up for Sunday 13 September's game against Bologna shows Allegri sticking with the back four that has already delivered results. Meret returns in goal after the doubts of recent days, protected by Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Marín and Olivera.

Up front, Allegri keeps faith with Politano, the vice-captain who has come in for criticism from supporters over the last week but remains untouchable for the coach. He plays alongside Höjlund as the focal point, with Alisson Santos handed a recall from the start after looking anything but a certain starter only a few days ago. Beukema is back among the substitutes after recovering from a tendon problem, with Favasuli, Lucca, Neres, Spinazzola, Badiashile and Vergara completing the options on the bench.

The line-up does not hide the pressure of the moment. Allegri closed the squad off in a retreat on the eve of the game and has picked experienced players, after three matches without a win that have put his position under discussion. The selection points to continuity rather than a shake-up — the question is whether that will be enough to turn things around.