# Italian clubs' 2026 preseason preparations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-clubs-2026-preseason-preparations > Updated: 2026-08-23T14:15:37.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 9. July 30 saw Sampdoria defender Stefan Gartenmann share an Instagram video of a high-tempo sprint, signalling his intent to lead the back-line as the Serie A campaign looms. US Cremonese ran a double-session workout – gym work followed by tactical drills and a small-sided game – and announced a friendly against Lumezzane while mourning former player Gianfranco Cassago. On 7 August, the Marche Eccellenza preview highlighted Lunano, Alma Fano, Aurora Treia and Montefano as the main contenders, with several new signings tightening the race. Serie D Group F now includes three Umbrian sides – Angelana (Assisi), Foligno and Sporting Trestina – alongside the traditional Marche, Abruzzo and Molise clubs. Director of sport Luca Gerilli stressed Ancona must build its campaign on results; the team’s first match remains scheduled for 30 August against Vigor Senigallia after a training stint in Sarteano. Lazio concluded its pre-season at Formello with a focus on short passes, defensive transitions and a final friendly versus Frosinone on 9 August, while coping with injuries to Dia, Przyborek, Artistico and Tavares. Empoli’s last warm-up match will be against US Livorno 1915 at Ardenza, a squad-rotation test in a 3-5-2 set-up ahead of the Coppa Italia tie with Pisa. By 9 August, Sampdoria concluded their preseason preparations with a 2-0 victory against Parma in the Trofeo “Doppio Malto.” Oliver Abildgaard assisted both goals, scoring once and providing a cross for Tobias Lauritsen. Following the match, Parma manager Bernardo Corradi noted the team's upcoming Coppa Italia match against Cremonese on 17 August will be a significant test. Meanwhile, Parma midfielder Adrian Bernabé addressed his physical condition post-surgery and his upcoming contract expiration, stating, “Nothing is taken for granted in either direction.” ## Claims - SSC Napoli's pre‑season camp in Castel di Sangro runs from July 30 to August 13, 2024. (single source) - Napoli will play friendly matches against Osasuna on August 5, Celta Vigo on August 8, and Aris Salonicco on August 12. (single source) - Fortunato Varrà and Salvatore Aloi have arrived at Calcio Catania's training camp in Norcia, Umbria. (single source) - Empoli resumed training after two days of rest and added defender Simone Romagnoli to the squad. (single source) - Duccio Degli Innocenti and Salvatore Elia remain unavailable for full‑team training due to injury recovery. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Empoli to resume training following victory over Cremonese Empoli will resume training on Tuesday following a victory over Cremonese, with the squad focusing on player fitness and preparing for their next match against Mantova. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/empoli-to-resume-training-following-victory-over-cremonese ### 2026-08-09: Sampdoria defeats Parma 2-0 in pre-season friendly Sampdoria defeated Parma 2-0 in the Trofeo “Doppio Malto” pre-season friendly. Parma's Adrian Bernabé addressed his contract status and physical recovery following the match. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sampdoria-defeats-parma-2-0-in-pre-season-friendly ### 2026-08-07: Ancona football clubs brace for new regional league line‑ups Ancona’s Alma Fano, Lunano and Aurora Treia lead the Eccellenza favorites, while Serie D Group F adds three Umbrian clubs, prompting director Luca Gerilli to stress results ahead of the opening match versus VIG 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ancona-football-clubs-brace-for-new-regional-league-lineups ### 2026-08-01: Italian clubs Empoli and Napoli resume pre‑season training Empoli resumes training with injury monitoring and a new 3‑4‑2‑1 system, while Napoli reports a cautious session where Alisson Santos stays on the bench for personalized recovery. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-clubs-empoli-and-napoli-resume-preseason-training ### 2026-07-30: Italian clubs Sampdoria and Cremonese continue pre‑season training Sampdoria’s Stefan Gartenmann posted a vigorous training video, while US Cremonese held double sessions and scheduled a friendly with Lumezzane, also mourning ex‑player Gianfranco Cassago. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-clubs-sampdoria-and-cremonese-continue-preseason-training ### 2026-07-28: Italian football clubs resume pre‑season training camps Napoli, Lazio, Spezia, Empoli and Catania start summer training camps in Italy, while Pirossigeno hires a new youth fitness coach. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serie-a-clubs-launch-preseason-training-camps-across-italy ### 2026-07-25: Empoli beats Virtus Entella 1‑0 in pre‑season friendly Empoli defeated Virtus Entella 1‑0 in a July 25 friendly at Vinci, Italy, with Salvatore Monaco scoring after a disallowed Empoli goal earlier in the match. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/empoli-beats-virtus-entella-10-in-preseason-friendly ### 2026-07-25: Italian amateur clubs Audax Settempedana and Empoli begin preseason football activities Audax Settempedana kick off their Terza Categoria season with new sign‑ons, while Empoli's July friendly against Entella showcases promising but still developing performances. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-amateur-clubs-audax-settempedana-and-empoli-begin-preseason-football-activities ### 2026-07-20: Empoli football and Fortitudo basketball kick off Italian preseason Empoli prepares for its Serie B opener with a 3‑5‑2 setup, while Fortitudo's basketball preseason starts on 19 Aug in Montecatini, featuring scrimmages, a season launch, and a Supercoppa in September. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-clubs-empoli-and-fortitudo-begin-preseason-preparations --- Cite as: Italian clubs' 2026 preseason preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-clubs-2026-preseason-preparations