Allegri: McTominay Could Start Against Villarreal, Back Three Is Bar Talk

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that Scott McTominay could start Napoli’s Champions League clash with Villarreal, though the coach insists he has yet to finalise his lineup. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Allegri addressed a range of topics, including the potential return of the Scottish midfielder, the debate over formations, and the integration of Kevin De Bruyne. The Napoli boss was clear that Allegri McTominay could start against Villarreal a back three is bar talk, dismissing speculation about a three-man defence as mere speculation.

McTominay, who last started on August 30 against Como, underwent an ablation procedure on September 8 to correct a mild heart arrhythmia. He was only cleared for full training last week and made a 30-minute cameo against Frosinone at the weekend. When asked if the former Manchester United man was ready to start, Allegri remained non-committal. “It’s possible, but I haven’t fully decided the XI yet,” he said. “Tomorrow morning I’ll try to picture the game, taking the substitutions into account too.”

The coach emphasised the importance of picking up points in 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.”

Allegri also brushed aside 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, and Allegri 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.”

On the prospect of McTominay and De Bruyne thriving together, Allegri 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. Napoli will be hoping to secure the midfielder’s long-term future, but for now, the focus is on the immediate challenge of Villarreal.

As the debate over tactics continues, Allegri’s stance remains firm: formations are not the be-all and end-all. The phrase Allegri McTominay could start against Villarreal a back three is bar talk encapsulates the coach’s pragmatic approach. He is more concerned with the players at his disposal and their physical condition than with rigid systems. With key players returning from injury, Napoli’s depth will be tested in the coming weeks.

The match against Villarreal will be a crucial test for Napoli’s Champions League ambitions. Allegri’s men will need to be at their best to overcome a tricky opponent. Whether McTominay starts or not, his return to fitness is a welcome boost. The coach’s comments suggest that he will continue to rotate his squad to keep players fresh and avoid further injuries.

In conclusion, Allegri’s press conference highlighted the challenges of managing a squad with injury concerns and contract uncertainties. While the possibility of McTominay starting is tantalising, the coach’s focus is on the bigger picture. As he put it, Allegri McTominay could start against Villarreal a back three is bar talk, and the real work happens on the pitch, not in the bar. Napoli fans will be hoping that the team can deliver a positive result in Spain.