De Bruyne starts, Anguissa recovers: Allegri prepares Napoli for Florence

Napoli is preparing for the trip to Florence aiming to finish the first set of matches of the season on a high note. Massimiliano Allegri, on the eve of the match against Fiorentina, sees a team improving, especially in terms of fitness.

"We're feeling pretty good, not to say great," explained the Italian coach. The only new sideline is Leonardo Spinazzola, who is sidelined by a muscle strain and is expected to return after the break. Good news, however, for Zambo Anguissa, who trained with the group and has been named in the squad.

As for Kevin De Bruyne, Allegri already seems to have clear ideas: "He's fine, I think he'll start tomorrow, then we'll see during the match."

"The victory against Bologna did us good."

The coach doesn't like to talk about fitness percentages, but he acknowledges the team's progress. "I mess around with percentages, but I can only say we're improving," Allegri joked, before emphasizing the importance of the win against Bologna.

Now, however, a different test awaits. In Florence, Napoli will face a team fresh from a league victory in Venice and a Coppa Italia qualification.

"We know it will be difficult. Fiorentina have excellent technique, two strong attackers and quick wingers. It's always difficult to play in Florence: we need to put in a good performance," Allegri warned.

A match that the coach considers particularly significant: «It's one of the most important of the first four or five games of the season».

Neres grows, Lang called to give more

David Neres is also among the improving players. "He's another player who's definitely doing better. He's very important for the team," emphasized the coach, who then extended the discussion to the entire squad: "Everyone is doing well, from Beukema to Badiashile. The game is what matters."

It's a different story for Noa Lang, who could be used from the start. Allegri made it clear: "He can be included from the start. He can and must give more because he has important qualities."

Favasuli and Vergara, Napoli's green line

The conference also focused on the young players who are emerging with greater conviction into the first team. Allegri specifically spoke about Costantino Favasuli, who made a surprising impact in the matches against Arsenal and Bologna.

"No one expected Favasuli's impact in the two games. It's not a technical issue: we all have to follow a natural progression," the coach explained.

The concept also applies to Vergara, fresh from a call-up to the national team and described by the coach as a player growing both technically and tactically.

"We're very happy. Vergara stood out very well last year and is growing technically and tactically this year, as is Favasuli in the Under-21s."

Allegri, however, cautions against burdening young players with excessive expectations: "The responsibilities lie with the older players. Young players need to put in the energy."

"The season is long, everyone will be needed."

The injury issue remains a minor issue, but Allegri doesn't want to turn it into an excuse. "The important thing is that those who are here perform well. If one player isn't there, someone else will play. The important thing is teamwork."

Some returns will still have to wait. McTominay and Meret will return after the break, while Marianucci is still a bit further back.

"The important thing is to have them because the season is long," the coach reiterated.

The last half hour factor

Allegri finally emphasized match management, especially in the closing stages. This aspect, according to the coach, could become even more important this year.

«This year, with six more minutes of effective playing time, matches take a completely different path, especially in the last half hour».

This detail can impact energy management, substitutions, and crucial moments. Napoli must therefore overcome this test as well, before the break, which will allow the team to recover several players and work on their fitness.

In Florence, however, before thinking about the break, the first mini-cycle must be completed. And Allegri makes no secret of his goal: "We want to finish strong."