Napoli’s Castel di Sangro training shift features De Bruyne and Neres
At the Napoli Ritiro in Castel di Sangro, day 7 saw a decisive shift in training as the squad abandoned field circles for a sprint drill, with Kevin De Bruyne and David Neres among the players running the 250‑metre course under rain‑soaked conditions.
At 16:29 the type of work changed: no longer field circles but a run to the end‑line, organised in several groups. The new drill required players to sprint the full length of the pitch, marking the session’s pivotal moment.
Rain affected the venue throughout the afternoon. At 16:38 about 30 supporters remained in the open stands under the downpour; earlier at 16:22 an intense shower forced most fans to leave the “Distinti” sector, while at 16:16 a heavier rain saw some spectators return.
The lineup on the field included Kevin De Bruyne and David Neres among the “azzurri” working with the ball. Lobotka returned to the dressing room at 16:37. Goalkeepers were absent together with Sam Beukema, Garofalo, Anguissa (who sat on the bench) and Ngonge.
De Bruyne delays his return to Napoli: 24 extra hours of rest
Sprint times were recorded for multiple groups. Di Lorenzo, Vergara, De Bruyne, Lang and Pereyra covered 250 metres in 68 seconds. Olivera and McTominay completed the same distance in 60 seconds. Lobotka and Gilmour logged 250 metres in 72 seconds.
Massimiliano Allegri entered the field at 16:26 and took a seat on the covered bench. Edoardo De Laurentiis, Napoli’s vice‑president, was also on the bench. At 15:53 Lucca, Spinazzola, Giovane, Alisson, Rrahmani, Marianucci and Lobotka prepared for the athletic work.
The header also displayed “CASTEL DI SANGRO (AQ) – Gentili”, indicating the location and readership.
The live feed was broadcast on CalcioNapoli24 TV (digital terrestrial channel 79 in Napoli, Caserta, Avellino and Benevento, channel 84 in Salerno) and on the CalcioNapoli24 YouTube channel. Journalists Ilario Covino, Simone Guadagno and Claudio Russo provided commentary, while photographer Ciro De Luca covered the event in real time.
The Ritiro at Castel di Sangro continues with day 7 as part of the eleventh training session of the Napoli retreat in Alto Sangro. A total of 33 players were called up for the Castel di Sangro 2026 retreat, and the live broadcast was scheduled to start at 16:00.