Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri says he is satisfied with the squad at his disposal as his side prepare to face Inter on 5 September.
Allegri addressed the condition of Kevin De Bruyne and the outcome of the summer transfer window during his pre-match press conference ahead of the meeting with Inter.
De Bruyne is continuing to build his fitness but has not yet started a match for Napoli. The Belgium international remains one of the key points of discussion around Allegri’s team as the manager assesses his available options.
Napoli’s midfield choices have been further restricted by the absence of Scott McTominay, who recently underwent an operation. His unavailability leaves Allegri with fewer possibilities in the centre of the pitch as Napoli approach their next league fixture.
Despite those limitations, Allegri urged people not to compare Napoli’s squad directly with those of their rivals. Other competing teams were more active during the summer transfer window, but the Napoli manager said that should not be the basis for judging his own group of players.
“I’m happy with the squad I have,” Allegri said.
Napoli have taken three points from their opening two matches and currently sit 10th in the league table. Inter have made a stronger start, collecting six points from two games and occupying second place.
The two teams will meet on 5 September, with the game providing Napoli an opportunity to improve their position and Inter the chance to continue their early momentum.
The match will also give further attention to De Bruyne’s progress. The Belgian is gaining fitness but has so far not been included in Napoli’s starting line-up. With McTominay unavailable following his operation, Allegri must manage his midfield resources while deciding how best to use a player who is still working towards full match readiness.
Allegri’s comments also place the focus on the players already at Napoli rather than on the activity of their rivals. While several competing clubs conducted busier summer transfer windows, he does not believe Napoli’s squad should be assessed simply by comparison.
For now, Napoli’s position in the table reflects a start of three points from two matches, while Inter’s perfect six-point return has put them second. Their meeting on 5 September will therefore bring together two teams with contrasting early records, as well as providing a test of Allegri’s available midfield options and De Bruyne’s developing fitness.