Man City vs Napoli: Will Kevin de Bruyne Return to Haunt Former Club?
After leaving Manchester City as a free agent, Kevin de Bruyne joins Napoli and could face his former club in the Champions League opener, adding world-class creativity to Antonio Conte’s side.
Manchester City face a familiar opponent when Kevin de Bruyne leads Napoli into their Champions League opener.
De Bruyne, who won 16 trophies during a decade at City, left the club in June after his contract expired. Now wearing the Napoli shirt, the Belgium midfielder aims to challenge his former side in Europe’s elite competition.
De Bruyne's Napoli Arrival
At 34, De Bruyne’s move to Naples drew comparisons to club legend Diego Maradona. Local journalist Vincenzo Credendino noted that Napoli had not signed such a high-profile player since Maradona, highlighting the midfielder’s technical quality and vision.
Conte’s Evolving System
Under Antonio Conte, last season’s Serie A champions have shifted from a solid 3-5-2 into a more possession-oriented style. The addition of De Bruyne, alongside loan signing Rasmus Hojlund, provides creative depth as Conte looks to refine his tactical approach.
Familiar Faces and New Beginnings
- Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund scored on his Napoli debut after a challenging spell at Manchester United.
- Scott McTominay, another former United player, has become a key midfielder for Napoli, earning a Ballon d’Or nomination.
Guardiola admitted he expects a warm reception for De Bruyne at the Etihad and praised his ability to adapt quickly. Conte added that his former City star will be eager to perform against his old teammates.
De Bruyne’s switch to Napoli adds world-class creativity to Conte’s evolving side, setting up a compelling storyline as he returns to Manchester City in Champions League action.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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