Napoli needed a response after a difficult start to the season, and against Frosinone they delivered one. A 3-0 home win at the Maradona, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring twice and playing a central midfield role he has publicly described as unfamiliar, gave Allegri's side genuine momentum heading into a packed schedule. De Bruyne's performance was the standout of the night, combining goals, creativity and physicality in a display that recalled his best years at Manchester City.

The result matters beyond the three points. Napoli sit eighth in Serie A with 10 points from six games, level with Frosinone and just outside the top half. The win followed a run of one victory, one draw and three defeats across all competitions, so the manner of this performance carried extra weight. Allegri shifted to a back three, and the tactical change paid off immediately.

Scott McTominay's return added further cause for optimism. The Scottish midfielder came off the bench after more than a month out following an ablation procedure for a benign arrhythmia, and the Maradona gave him a warm reception. His availability significantly strengthens a midfield that has been stretched by a long injury list that still includes Buongiorno, Olivera, Anguissa and Vergara, the latter sidelined for around six weeks with a soleus injury sustained on international duty.

Next up is a Champions League away fixture against Villarreal on Tuesday, where Napoli look to recover from an opening defeat to Arsenal.