Napoli Pre-Season: McTominay and Lang First Back, Lukaku and De Bruyne Return August 5

New Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri has provided clarity on the return dates for his key players following their involvement in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Scott McTominay and Noa Lang are expected to be the first to report back for pre-season training, with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne scheduled to rejoin the squad on August 5.

Allegri, who was officially unveiled as the new Napoli manager in Naples, emphasized the importance of assessing players on the training ground rather than making premature judgments from afar. “I learned from an old coach. Until I see and coach players, making judgments from outside is always very difficult,” Allegri stated.

The coaching staff will begin integrating with the available players immediately, with pre-season training set to commence on Wednesday, July 15. Allegri stressed that team values will be a cornerstone of his management approach.

The return dates are particularly significant given the absences of several key figures during the initial phase of pre-season. Napoli had five players participating in the World Cup: Mathias Olivera, McTominay, Lang, Lukaku, and De Bruyne.

Player Availability

While Olivera, McTominay, and Lang were eliminated in the earlier stages of the tournament, Lukaku and De Bruyne’s Belgium reached the quarter-finals, necessitating a later return to club duties. The staggered return of these players will present an early challenge for Allegri as he looks to implement his tactical plans.

Napoli’s performance in the 2025-26 season saw them finish as runners-up in Serie A. During the tenure of former coach Antonio Conte, the club secured a Scudetto and a Supercoppa Italiana, setting a high bar for future success. Allegri will be tasked with building upon this foundation and competing for further honors.

The confirmation of these return dates allows for structured planning of pre-season training and friendly matches. It also provides fans with a clearer picture of when their international stars will be back on the pitch for the Partenopei.

Key facts

The integration of these returning players will be crucial for Allegri as he aims to establish his preferred playing style and build team cohesion. The new coach’s emphasis on values and on-field assessment suggests a focus on discipline and performance from the outset.

Source: Football Italia – https://football-italia.net/lukaku-de-bruyne-napoli-return-mctominay-1st/