Daniele Adani doesn’t let Max Allegri off the hook

Former player and current RAI commentator Daniele Adani lashed out at Massimiliano Allegri after Napoli’s loss to Como on the final matchday of the season. Adani, who has always been one of the Tuscan coach’s harshest critics, let loose during the “Domenica Sportiva” broadcast.

“Como dominated Napoli in every aspect. Allegri can say that once in a while—maybe every two or three years. I’m not satisfied with just ‘beauty,’ meaning only ball possession; today there was more to it,” Adani declared. “There was more possession, more shots, more tackles, more dribbles, more interceptions, more passes. I could go on until tomorrow morning.”

“Dominating doesn’t just mean playing beautifully, only to then tell those who describe the dominant team as philosophers or people who focus solely on aesthetics—and thus fail to consider effectiveness. Holding onto the ball, winning it back, focus, compactness, short passes, long passes, shooting efficiency, and concentration in your own box and the opponent’s—that’s what it takes to win,” Adani continued.

On the contrary, the former player praised Cesc Fàbregas and his Como team: “Como has so many qualities. There’s a great shared vision across all levels of the club; they’re all on the same page. They have a coach with unique ideas. Unique in Italy, but reminiscent of what’s often sought after in international soccer. Plus, I believe that despite their growth, they still maintain their hunger and ambition.”