Napoli’s Champions League campaign got a huge lift on Tuesday night after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sporting, with Kevin De Bruyne once again pulling the strings in midfield. Softfootball understands the Belgian playmaker has been instrumental since arriving on a free transfer in the summer, bringing world-class quality and experience to a side eager to make a deep run in Europe.
Kevin De Bruyne UCL debut for Napoli didnt go well as planned as the player on his return to Manchester City was forced to be substitued early in the first half after Napoli were reduced to 10men which they eventually went on to lose by 2-1, also he was substituted in the 2-1 loss to 10men AC Milan in the 72nd minutes of the game when Napoli was searching for an equalizer, the Belgian was seen to be visibly frustrated sparking rumors that he was unhappy with the italian coach.
According to top journalist Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, De Bruyne was quick to shut down rumours of tension between himself and manager Antonio Conte. His words came after speculation surfaced about their relationship, but the 33-year-old was clear that there are no issues inside the dressing room, Romano posted;
Kevin De Bruyne: I have no issues or problems with Antonio Conte, at all. I’m a winner and I want to make the difference on the pitch, but there are zero problems with the coach.
Softfootball understands that Conte has been delighted with De Bruyne’s leadership on and off the pitch, praising his influence during Napoli’s strong European start. The midfielder’s creativity and winning mentality have given the Naples club a new dimension, with fans already embracing him as one of their own.
Meanwhile, another star has been making waves at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Rasmus Højlund, who joined Napoli on loan from Manchester United after Romelu Lukaku picked up a long-term injury, has been in blistering form. The Danish striker even scored a brace to fire the team to victory in UCL last night, proving himself as a natural fit under Conte’s system. its understandable that if things continue this way, Napoli will almost certainly trigger his buy obligation at the end of the season.
With De Bruyne dictating play and Højlund delivering goals, Napoli’s project under Conte is beginning to look very promising. The win over Sporting not only strengthened their Champions League hopes but also underlined that this is a squad quietly building momentum one that could surprise Europe this season.
