Napoli’s next phase may depend on how quickly David Neres can turn promising cameos into a sustained role. The Brazilian has used the extended break to build fitness after a long absence, and he is now nearing the level that once made him one of the side’s most decisive attacking options. With Frosinone due next, followed by Villarreal and Venezia, Massimiliano Allegri is considering whether the time is close for Neres to start.
A long road back into Napoli’s season
Neres had already offered encouraging signs at the Franchi before the interruption, particularly after coming on against Fiorentina. Used on the left in the second half, he came close to scoring and created a clear chance for Favasuli. David De Gea denied him on both occasions, but the sequence suggested that his acceleration, imagination and ability to unsettle a defence were beginning to return.
It has taken considerable patience. The 29-year-old, who will turn 30 in March, was sidelined after Napoli’s victory over Bologna in Riyadh, where he had scored twice in the final on 22 December. His problems began in the league trip to Lazio on 4 January and ultimately required surgery on his left ankle.
- The ankle operation kept Neres out for eight months.
- He missed roughly half of the campaign and spent the summer working towards a return.
- His first appearance back came against Como at the end of August.
- Since then, he has played 84 minutes across four substitute appearances.
- He is still waiting for his first start since returning.
Allegri’s possible attacking wild card
Allegri sees Neres as a player who can change the rhythm of Napoli’s forward play. At full condition, the winger brings direct running, dribbling, bursts in behind and the final pass. Napoli have seen those qualities before, even if injury has prevented them from enjoying them consistently.
Since arriving in 2024, Neres has registered nine goals and around ten assists for the club. Under Antonio Conte, he was initially used as a solution when matches needed unlocking before developing into a near-regular starter. His strongest spell came around November and December last year, when he scored twice against Atalanta, found the net away to Roma and also struck against Allegri’s Milan in the Supercoppa semi-final before his two-goal display against Bologna.
That run also brought discussion of a possible return to the Brazil picture. The injury then stopped his momentum just as he appeared to be reaching his sharpest level.
Options across the front line
Neres has mostly featured from the left in Napoli’s opening matches, but his value lies in the range of roles available to him. Left-footed, he can also operate from the right, where he impressed during the Riyadh tournament, while he has the technical qualities to play closer to the centre as a second striker.
- He can begin on the left and attack the full-back directly.
- He is comfortable switching to the right, where he can create with his stronger foot.
- He can be used behind a centre-forward as a second striker.
- He has previously filled in as a false nine under Conte.
His central performance against Cristian Chivu’s Inter in October 2025 remains a useful reference point. Replacing Hojlund, Neres caused problems through constant movement, stretching the defensive line and also finding spaces between midfield and defence.
That versatility makes him a valuable option for Allegri, but the immediate question is physical rather than positional. Napoli need his condition to catch up with his talent. If the work during the break has brought him close to that point, the matches against Frosinone, Villarreal and Venezia could offer the first real opportunity for Neres to reclaim a starting place and become a central figure in the club’s season again.
