Massimiliano Allegri said he regards Inter Milan as the Serie A title favorites as he prepares to return to San Siro with Napoli.
Allegri was dismissed as manager of Inter’s rivals AC Milan at the end of last season but returned to work with the Partenopei over the summer.
This weekend takes him back to his old ground as Napoli face the champions.
Napoli go into the game after defeat at home to Como last weekend while Inter boast a perfect record from their opening two fixtures.
“Inter are the real favorites for the Scudetto,” Allegri told reporters at a news conference on Friday. “We’ve got to be more careful as we conceded two avoidable goals against Como.
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“Head-to head clashes are always difficult to win but playing in that stadium is always marvelous. We need a good performance with fewer technical errors.”
Allegri, who won five league titles with Juventus, has called for fans to stay calm following defeat last time out.
“I understand that at Napoli it’s either over-excitement or depression, but we are only in week three,” he said.
“We’re disappointed to have lost to Como but there must be balance. There are so many games still to be played.”
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Napoli, who finished runners-up to Inter last season, are without Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay after it was revealed this week he needs a minor heart procedure.
Striker Giovane is also out following a hernia operation but playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is hoping to make his first start of the season as he builds up his fitness.
Inter boss Cristian Chivu spoke of his respect for Allegri and is looking forward to take on his side.
“I am one of those who appreciates and respects Allegri,” Chivu said. “He is a winner, he has a certain amount of experience and he has everything that we young coaches want to learn.”
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After opening with victories over Monza and Cagliari, the visit of Napoli marks a step up in the caliber of opposition.
Chivu has urged his side to maintain the focus that has served them well so far.
“We must be ourselves,” he said. “The determination, courage and desire to dominate must never be lost. This team has a very precise identity of who it wants to be.”
PA contributed to this report.
