Allegri watches the KDB‑Vergara duel on Nations League night

On the cool Saturday afternoon of October 3, 2026, the stadium in Frosinone hosted a Nations League evening that shone the spotlight on two young midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, nicknamed KDB, and Antonio Vergara. Napoli's coach, Max Allegri, watched from the sidelines, ready to decide who deserves a place in his lineup.

The duel on the pitch

De Bruyne led Belgium to a 3‑0 victory over Turkey, scoring the first goal with a shot from the left wing, a role in which he was also deployed against Italy. His second goal came with an authorial brace, confirming his ability to create danger between the lines. Meanwhile, the 23‑year‑old Antonio Vergara made his senior debut without fear, showing personality and versatility, capable of operating both on the right flank and the left, where he normally lines up with Napoli.

Allegri's choices

Allegri could smile about the recoveries of Meret, Spinazzola and Marianucci, but he had to contend with the injury of Costantino Favasuli, out for roughly 40 days. Scott McTominay and Frank Zambo Anguissa will also not be available immediately, one due to training reasons, the other because of a low‑grade adductor injury. Despite these setbacks, the Livorno‑born coach was able to rely on alternative solutions, confirmed by the team's solid performance in the Nations League.

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Meanwhile, Napoli's squad is preparing to reopen the gates of Castel Volturno to welcome most of the staff returning from their respective national teams. The break has deprived Allegri of Favasuli, but it has also given Vergara the opportunity to prove his worth against high‑level opponents.

Allegri commented on the situation, stating: “I don’t think it’s right to give too much responsibility to Vergara, who is a good player, but he has only 12 matches with Napoli; we need to take it slow.” His remark, made on the eve of the Inter‑Napoli match, reflects the caution with which he wants to manage the mix of experience and recklessness of the two talents.

The showdown between KDB and Vergara is set to continue in the upcoming matches, but the Nations League evening has already shown that the young Italian can compete with the ex‑City phenomenon. Allegri will take notes, while fans await to see if the two can share the role from the first minute, as happened against Bologna.