Allegri: Our Champions League fate is in our own hands

Despite mounting pressure after inconsistent results, Massimiliano Allegri believes Napoli's Champions League fate is still in their own hands.

Napoli made a poor start to their European campaign with defeats to Arsenal and Villarreal, but won a breathless 7-goal contest against Bodø/Glimt last time out.

With the league phase reaching its halfway point, Napoli sit 22nd, inside the play-off places on goal difference.

The Italian side are aiming to win two consecutive Champions League matches for the first time since March 2023.

Allegri, however, stressed that he is not yet worried about his team's European form, and that whatever the result against Porto on Wednesday, their fate will remain in their own hands.

Asked what has been missing from the team's performances, Allegri said: "We're missing some small details that would allow us to get the results we want. Our up-and-down performances in the league are proof of that. In the Champions League we lost the first two games, then beat Bodø/Glimt at home."

"But regardless of the result against Porto, I believe our Champions League fate will be in our own hands against Manchester City. Because we can reach the play-offs with 10 points, and that would be a great achievement for us. On Wednesday we have to fight, then prepare for the Lazio game, and during the international break get back as many players as possible and bring them into the rotation."

Napoli's three-match unbeaten run in all competitions, which began with the win over Bodø, came to an end against Juventus on Sunday.

A tough test awaits an Italian side looking to lift morale: Porto are unbeaten in their last six home matches against Serie A sides in European competition, winning four of them (2 draws).

Porto, who have won 10 consecutive league matches, have nevertheless lost both of their two home games in the Champions League.

"It's a difficult game because Porto have had 10 straight wins in the league and they've also produced good performances in the Champions League," Allegri told a press conference. "For us, talking doesn't help much; we need to put in a good performance on the pitch. Now is not the time for talking, it's the time for action. We're not going through an easy period. We've had mixed results and we haven't yet managed two wins in a row in the league. But what's certain is that we have to keep working and turn things around in the league. For now, we're focused on Wednesday's game."

On the injury front, there could be encouraging news for Napoli. The conditions of Rasmus Højlund, who has been suffering from a flu-like infection, and Kevin De Bruyne, who has created 10 chances from open play in the Champions League this season but is nursing an ankle injury, are being closely monitored.

Allegri sounded hopeful that both stars could feature against Porto:

"Højlund's fever has come down. De Bruyne will train with the team and then we'll see whether he can play."