Napoli return from the international break with a familiar challenge: not simply to be ready for Frosinone, but to show the judgment required to control a match over its full course. Max Allegri believes the squad have the resources to perform, though he said the value of the pause will only be clear once Saturday’s result is known.
The coach and the club
Speaking before Napoli face Frosinone, Allegri placed particular emphasis on his side’s ability to recognise the changing phases of a game. The coach sees no shortage of quality within his group, but wants greater awareness when the contest requires a different response.
“We will find out from tomorrow’s result whether the break was beneficial,” Allegri said. “We have everything needed to do well, but we must become better at understanding the moments within a match.”
The principal encouraging news for Napoli is Scott McTominay’s return to the matchday squad. Allegri does not expect the midfielder to be ready for a long outing, but regards him as an important option for the closing stages.
“McTominay will be called up,” he said. “He can be an important resource for around 20 to 30 minutes.”
Signs from the international break
Kevin De Bruyne returned from international duty in positive condition, having impressed with Belgium and continued his physical progress. Allegri also reported that Stanislav Lobotka and Billy Gilmour, along with the other internationals, came back in good shape.
“De Bruyne performed very well for his national team,” Allegri said. “He is improving physically and I am pleased with him. More generally, every player who came back from international duty, including Lobotka and Gilmour, looked fit.”
Rasmus Hojlund’s early output also received the coach’s backing. The forward has played five matches and scored twice, a return Allegri considers a solid platform rather than a concern.
“He has played five games and scored two goals,” Allegri said. “If he maintained two goals every five matches, he would finish the league season above 15. I do not think he has been doing badly.”
Recovery list ahead of Frosinone
Napoli’s medical picture remains mixed. Mathias Olivera is nearing his return but needs another four or five days, while Frank Anguissa is making progress. Sam Beukema has overcome the tendon issue that had followed him from last season, and Luca Marianucci has recovered sufficiently to be available against Frosinone.
There are longer-term absences, however, with Vergara and Favasuli both set to be unavailable for an extended period. For Allegri, the afternoon against Frosinone will therefore be shaped by returning bodies, managed minutes and the demand for Napoli to read the match more clearly when it begins to turn.
