Napoli travel to Florence knowing that Sunday’s lunchtime meeting with Fiorentina is more than the final fixture before the break. For Massimiliano Allegri, it is the closing test of a five-match opening sequence, with a chance to finish the first part of the Serie A campaign in a stronger position before the squad regroups in 21 days.
Napoli close their first five-game sequence
- Napoli face Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi in Serie A’s fifth round, with kick-off scheduled for Sunday at 12:30.
- Allegri confirmed that Leonardo Spinazzola will miss the trip after suffering muscular fatigue. The full-back is expected to return after the international break.
- Frank Anguissa has been included in the squad despite following an individual programme during the week. He trained with the group on Saturday morning and can be used if required.
- Kevin De Bruyne is fit and is expected to begin the match. Allegri noted that the Belgian started his season later following the World Cup, and his workload will be assessed as the game develops.
- After the Fiorentina match, Napoli will have three weeks before their next fixture, a period Allegri believes should help restore players and improve the squad’s physical condition.
“We are improving physically,” Allegri said. “This is the last game of this five-match block, so we must handle it well. We understand how significant it is to end this period properly, then we can restart in 21 days with everyone available and in better shape.”
Anguissa’s return offers encouragement
Allegri described Anguissa as markedly improved after what he saw during the week, calling the midfielder fully recovered and an important figure for Napoli. He also pointed to Beukema and Badiashile among the players whose availability can strengthen the group.
But the coach kept the emphasis on the Franchi rather than the wider recovery picture. “The match is what matters,” he said. “We have to focus on that first. Afterwards, we will recover energy and players for October.”
More players due back after the break
Scott McTominay and Alex Meret are expected to return following the pause in the calendar, while Marianucci is likely to need longer because he has not yet rejoined full training.
Allegri stressed that Napoli will need depth as the season develops, particularly under regulations that have increased effective playing time by six minutes. In his view, those added minutes can alter the character of matches, especially across the final half-hour.
“You cannot get through a season with 14 players,” Allegri said. “It is important to have everyone, because the campaign is long and every player will be needed.”
Lang remains an option from the start
Noa Lang is among the players Allegri is considering for a starting place against Fiorentina, although the coach said he still had selection decisions to make. Allegri believes the forward has the qualities to contribute more over the course of the campaign.
He also returned to a broader theme of responsibility within the squad, saying younger players should be allowed to progress without excessive pressure. Reflecting on a player’s unexpected impact in the Arsenal-Bologna context, Allegri said development should not be forced and that senior members of the side must take the greater responsibility in guiding the team.
“The important thing is that those available perform well,” Allegri said. “If one player is absent, another has to step in. What matters is spirit, enthusiasm and working as the group has done so far.”
