It's a match between Villarreal and Napoli on paper, but in reality, it's about Albiol: he played for six seasons at Villarreal and six seasons at Napoli. This is his game, a heart divided in two, which he must pull together tomorrow at the Estadio de la Cerámica so as not to be overwhelmed by emotion.

"I will be commentating on the match for Movistar." The football giant, who turned 41 on September 4, is currently preparing for a coaching career through courses at Coverciano and immersive learning at various club training bases. Out of respect and confidentiality for his future colleagues, he declined to disclose the specific places he visited. Albiol has always been this way: authentic, serious, pure. His love for the sport has never changed, and despite his contract with Pisa expiring in June, he is not yet physically or mentally ready to say goodbye to football.

"You could say I haven't officially stopped yet, but it's already October, and I'm already taking the UEFA B coaching license course with Bonaventura, Chiriches, Florenzi, and Pellissier."

He has always been a player-coach.

"It's a completely different job, but I love it. I've been obsessed with football since I was a child: now I miss playing, but the prospect of becoming a coach gives me new adrenaline."

Will Albiol's future team play like Allegri's Napoli or Iñigo Pérez's Villarreal?

"We'll see, I have many role models. I like Fàbregas and Sarri, and also Gasperini and De Zerbi: I watch a lot of games, analyze tactics, and visit team training sessions. But the coaches don't let me take photos or videos!"

Has he visited his friend Cesc yet?

"Not yet."

Tomorrow he will be in Villarreal, his home: he played there until 2025 and won the Europa League in 2021.

"In 2022, we also reached the Champions League semifinals. As for Napoli, I won the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana. Those were the teams of my life, and where I stayed the longest. I had a great time there and made many friends. It will be an exciting encounter."

Which of the two cities does he prefer?

"They are very different: Napoli is big, Villarreal is small. One lives for football, the other only truly comes alive on match days. Both are beautiful, just with different ways of living and working. They both helped me grow a lot."

What kind of game does he expect?

"Villarreal will control the game, Napoli will wait for opportunities. Villarreal attacks a lot at home: they are brave, press high, and create chances, although their defense has some issues. Napoli has a solid defense, can score on the counter-attack, and also threaten with possession. They have strong players and an experienced coach."

Please name the key figures of the night.

"De Bruyne and G. Moreno."

Both are durable: one is 35, the other 34.

"Kevin is a genius, Napoli needs him, and it's spectacular to see him in Serie A. Europe is his kingdom, and he will control the tempo at different stages of this game. I really like Gerard: I don't know if he'll start or come off the bench, but he's technically and mentally different. He can change the game."

You've been through a lot together.

"He's like a brother to me, and so is Foyth. We all miss each other. I haven't been back to Villarreal in a year and a half; I still live in Italy."

Where do you live?

"In Forte dei Marmi, by the sea. My son Romeo plays for Pisa's U14 team as a goalkeeper."

Did you see Allegri in Forte?

"You can see anyone there; it's like Serie A. If you kick the ball in the air, it never lands; someone always catches it."

When was the last time you went to Napoli?

"September 2025, with Pisa."

On Saturday, his former Napoli teammates defeated Frosinone, while the Yellow Submarine lost to Real Madrid.

"Napoli must get through this injury crisis, but they are still competitive in the league and can reach the Champions League playoffs. Villarreal's recent results haven't been good, but they've played well and should have won more games and collected more points. They have a good coach and strong players."

The important former player is Rafa Marín.

"He had a good season at Villarreal last year and is continuing that form now. He needs consistent playing time and trust to grow. He's young and will be very important for Napoli's future."

Does he have a chance to make the national team?

"Spain has one of the strongest national teams in the world, it's too difficult for anyone."

Finally, please give your prediction.

"The game will be very open. However, perhaps in the Champions League, playing at home gives you an extra 10% advantage."

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