Allegri: ‘They gave the Champions League to Roma’ after Napoli draw

Massimiliano Allegri was furious with Napoli officials after his side drew 3-3 with Roma in Serie A, claiming that decisions last season had cost him his job at Milan.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Napoli manager was seen shouting at members of the club’s administrative staff after the match.

“Last season they put the Champions League in Roma’s pocket. They always do that… and I paid the price at Milan,” Allegri said.

His comments referred to the conclusion of last season, when Roma and Como took the Champions League places ahead of Milan. Milan dismissed their manager only 24 hours after the season ended.

Allegri’s anger followed a dramatic match in which Napoli twice surrendered the lead. Frank Anguissa and Scott McTominay put the hosts 2-0 ahead before Matias Soule and Leonardo Balerdi scored for Roma within five minutes to level the contest.

McTominay restored Napoli’s advantage with his second goal of the match, but Balerdi struck again late on to secure a point for Roma.

Allegri was sent off from the technical area in stoppage time after protesting against the officials. Napoli’s players believed Sam Beukema had been fouled by Balerdi before Roma’s equaliser.

“The fourth official called the referee over and got me sent off, but I did not say anything at all,” Allegri told DAZN.

He added sarcastically: “Next time I will have to sit on the bench without moving, because every time I move I am sent off. I paid 80,000 euros in fines last season, and perhaps I should not be in the technical area at all.

“I see others getting close to entering the pitch without anyone objecting, but when I move, I am punished.”

Despite conceding three goals, Allegri said he was satisfied with much of Napoli’s performance against a strong Roma side.

“I think we played well this evening, including defensively, against a good team,” he said. “We had a chance to go 3-0 up, then we led 3-2, but we conceded another goal.”

Asked about Napoli’s defensive record despite his reputation for a cautious approach, Allegri responded: “I have changed the way I play and now rely on attacking football. Since the start of the season, I have tried to play four forwards whenever possible.”

Napoli have failed to win consecutive matches in all competitions this season. They have taken only one point from their last two Serie A games, losing 3-1 to Venezia before drawing with Roma.

“I am angry about the way the match ended, and perhaps I cannot assess what happened accurately at the moment,” Allegri said. “For the first time in 25 years, I am not in a condition to give clear answers about the match. I apologise, but I wish you a good night.”

Napoli are currently 10th in the Serie A table with 11 points.