Scott McTominay in contention for Napoli return against Villarreal
Napoli turn back to Champions League duty against Villarreal after their domestic win over Frosinone, with Scott McTominay in contention to make the starting side following a two-month absence. Massimiliano Allegri has yet to settle on his XI, however, as he assesses players who returned to action at the weekend.
Napoli weigh McTominay return for Villarreal
McTominay has been working towards full fitness and could be selected from the start in the League Phase fixture. Allegri said he would make a final decision after checking the condition of those who had been out for a lengthy period before featuring on Saturday.
The Napoli coach said the immediate task was to judge how his squad had recovered and then choose a team suited to the demands of the Villarreal match. McTominay’s potential inclusion would raise the prospect of a midfield alongside Kevin De Bruyne, although Allegri made clear that neither player should be treated as an automatic selection regardless of fitness or opposition.
De Bruyne joined the squad on August 5 and is improving physically, while McTominay has not played for two months. Allegri believes his strongest players should be able to share the pitch, but said availability and match circumstances must shape the decision.
Selection picture before European tie
Allegri confirmed that Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will start in goal against Villarreal. Alex Meret is returning from injury, while Milinkovic-Savic has also recently come back from international duty.
- Vanja Milinkovic-Savic will play in goal.
- Billy Gilmour is currently ahead of Stanislav Lobotka for a midfield place.
- Gilmour was an unused substitute against Frosinone after a heavy workload with his national team.
- Frank Anguissa, Mathías Olivera and Alisson are expected to rejoin the group from Wednesday.
- McTominay remains under consideration after his extended lay-off.
Allegri said Napoli need time and careful squad management as injured players return. He intends to use changes across the team to help individuals regain their best condition rather than rushing them through a demanding period.
Allegri dismisses rigid formation debate
The Napoli manager pushed back against the emphasis placed on whether his side operate with three defenders or four. In his view, numerical descriptions do not adequately explain how a team functions on the pitch; the qualities of the players available matter more.
He is encouraged by the range within his squad and expects rotation to remain important while several players work their way back. Allegri said the aim is to restore the group gradually, with a measure of patience and good fortune required in managing workloads.
Lucca backed to overcome scoring spell
Allegri also offered support to Lorenzo Lucca, who is enduring a difficult run in front of goal. The coach praised the Italian forward’s willingness to work and urged him to remain composed, confident that goals will follow.
Lucca and Rasmus Hojlund are Napoli’s principal centre-forward options. With Villarreal next, Allegri’s selections will be shaped by the need to build European momentum while bringing key members of his squad back to full readiness.
