De Laurentiis Holds Crisis Talks With Allegri as Napoli's Slow Start Continues
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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis made an unscheduled visit to the club's Castel Volturno training ground for around an hour of talks with head coach Massimiliano Allegri, according to Calcionapoli1926 and Napolipiu, after the club collected just seven points from their opening six league matches — two wins, one draw and three defeats. Reports described the meeting as addressing a lack of consistency and tactical issues while the president reaffirmed confidence in Allegri, though journalist Carlo Alvino disputed the characterisation, saying it amounted to no more than "a fleeting greeting" between De Laurentiis, sporting director Manna and the coach.
Scott McTominay is set to undergo the medical examinations needed for sports-eligibility clearance on 6 October, the final step following the heart ablation procedure he had in England last month, according to Tuttosport and Il Napolista. Even with a positive result, the midfielder will not be available against Frosinone on 10 October because of an anticoagulant protocol that rules him out of playing, and he is also expected to miss the Champions League match against Villarreal and the trip to Venezia.
AC Milan have revived their interest in Manchester United defender Leny Yoro, with agent Jorge Mendes working on a possible move to Serie A, according to The Hard Tackle; the Italian club are expected to make a fresh attempt to sign the Frenchman in the January window.
Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has ruled out any move for Manu Kone to Chelsea, while also addressing speculation linking defender Bryan Cristante with Como and Real Madrid.
Transfer and squad notes
Juventus are reportedly moving for Marseille captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the January window, with the Danish midfielder available for around €15m.
Former Milan executive Zvonimir Boban said Inter midfielder Petar Sucic is "among the best in the world" and suggested he should consider leaving the club, while Arsenal scouts have been watching Inter forward Francesco Pio Esposito, including at a recent match in Bursa.
What it means for the league
Napoli's meeting between De Laurentiis and Allegri, whatever its exact tone, signals mounting concern at a club already dealing with Scott McTominay's extended absence and a difficult run of results. Milan's renewed interest in Yoro points to the club planning significant squad investment for January rather than waiting until next summer, while Roma's handling of speculation around Kone and Cristante shows Gasperini moving to protect squad stability during the international break.