SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 06: Romelu Lukaku #9 of Belgium celebrates with teammates after scoring the team’s fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against the USA at Seattle Stadium on July 06, 2026. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
In an eagerly anticipated announcement, Massimiliano Allegri revealed that Scott McTominay and Noa Lang will be the first players to resume training with Napoli post-World Cup. Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne are expected to return on August 5.
Allegri’s unveiling as Napoli’s new head coach took place during a vibrant event in Naples on Tuesday morning, marking a fresh chapter for the club.
Thoughts on Lukaku and De Bruyne
“De Bruyne and Lukaku return on August 5”
When asked about the two star players, Allegri offered a thoughtful perspective. “I’ve learned from a seasoned coach that it’s always challenging to make judgments about players without seeing them on the pitch,” he stated, as reported by TuttoNapoli. “I’m looking forward to working with them. From tomorrow, we’ll start getting to know each other, which is vital to our success. While they will return on August 5, McTominay and Lang will join us sooner.”
He continued, “We’ll kick off our preparations with whoever is available.”
Napoli had five players representing them on the World Cup stage: Mathias Olivera, McTominay, Lang, Lukaku, and De Bruyne.
Unfortunately for Olivera, McTominay, and Lang, their World Cup journeys ended prematurely, as they were eliminated in the early rounds. Meanwhile, Lukaku and De Bruyne’s Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals, showcasing their resilience and skill.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Napoli’s pre-season training kicks off tomorrow, July 15. After finishing second in the 2025-26 campaign, the club enjoyed a successful tenure under Conte, claiming both the Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana during his two years at the helm.
