De Bruyne’s midfield trial reshapes Napoli’s Castel di Sangro training

Napoli’s 13th afternoon session at their Castel di Sangro retreat was headlined by Kevin De Bruyne trialled as a central midfielder under Massimiliano Allegri. The Belgian international featured prominently as the squad split into small groups working on targeted drills and obstacle-based exercises that began at 18:00.

De Bruyne’s positioning in a three-man midfield drew immediate attention, with the session’s live feed broadcast by CalcioNapoli24 on YouTube and local DTT channels.

The opening team pairing at 18:03 paired Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Obaretin, Olivera, Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay, Politano, Lucca and Alisson Santos against Pugliese/Contini, Folorunsho, Prisco, Vergara, De Bruyne, Neres and Lang. Within two minutes, sporting director Giovanni Manna entered the pitch to underline the day’s workload importance.

At 17:59 the tactical novelty was confirmed: De Bruyne operating in midfield, a change that quickly became the session’s focal point. Coaches then shifted focus at 17:56 to defensive build-up drills, followed by positional exchanges. A reshuffle at 17:51 saw Mazzocchi, Marianucci, Obaretin, Spinazzola, Folorunsho, Vergara, De Bruyne, Neres, Hojlund and Giovane face Pugliese/Contini, McTominay, Prisco, Anguissa, Gilmour, Alisson Santos and Politano.

Further adjustments at 17:47 highlighted the absence of Sam Beukema and Cyril Ngonge, neither of whom featured in the latest lineup changes. The closing minutes consolidated the group for a final set of exercises before the session concluded with a reminder that live coverage would continue on CalcioNapoli24 TV (channel 79 on DTT in Napoli, Caserta, Avellino and Benevento; channel 84 in Salerno) and on YouTube. Photographer Ciro De Luca captured the day’s images.

The day’s schedule also included upcoming press conferences, friendly matches and evening events as part of the retreat’s full programme.