Allegri: ‘McTominay could start against Villarreal, a back three is bar talk’

NAPLES, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 13: Massimiliano Allegri SSC Napoli head coach before the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 13, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Massimiliano Allegri says Scott McTominay could start Napoli’s Champions League clash with Villarreal, though he has yet to settle on his line-up.

With quotes via Tuttomercatoweb, the Napoli coach spoke at his press conference on the eve of the second match of the league phase.

“We have to try to pick up points, because it’s the second Champions League game. Against Villarreal it won’t be easy, because they’re an awkward side and they’re coming off a good game against Real.”

McTominay last started on August 30 against Como, before undergoing an ablation procedure to correct a mild heart arrhythmia on 8 September. He was only cleared to return to full training last week before playing thirty minutes at the weekend against Frosinone.

“It’s possible, but I haven’t fully decided the XI yet. Tomorrow morning I’ll try to picture the game, taking the substitutions into account too.”

Allegri on McTominay, De Bruyne and the back three

Allegri dismissed questions about whether a three-man defence suits his side best.

“Talking about formations is reductive. It’s bar talk more than pitch talk. I have a squad of excellent players. Some are coming back from injury, but it’ll take a bit of time to have them back at 100 per cent, and we’ll need to be lucky with how we manage them so they can recover. We’ll soon have Anguissa and Alisson back too.”

Frank Anguissa, whose contract expires next summer, is among those nearing a return. Allegri also hinted that Napoli’s line-ups will keep changing.

“Routine things annoy me a bit. I like to change. It’ll also depend on who I have available and the players’ characteristics.”

Asked whether McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne can thrive together, he urged patience.

“Good players have to play together. McTominay hasn’t played for a while, and De Bruyne arrived on 5 August. It takes time.”

McTominay’s return comes amid uncertainty over his future. The Scot’s camp are seeking a significant pay rise to extend his contract beyond June 2028, and Real Madrid have reportedly sounded out his agents.