Kevin De Bruyne in focus: Behind the scenes, trouble brews at Napoli
At the Italian former champion SSC Napoli, tensions are simmering behind the scenes after the new coach Massimiliano Allegri expressed dissatisfaction with experienced players. La Repubblica names Kevin De Bruyne as one of the figures who frustrate the former Milan coach, thereby burdening the team atmosphere.
After a weak start to the Serie A, SSC Napoli have only secured two wins from the first five matches. Seven points represent the worst record since the 2015/16 season, the team currently sits in ninth place and is six points behind the leader. The Italian former champion is therefore well below expectations.
Allegri's strict approach
The new coach Massimiliano Allegri is dissatisfied with the behavior of several experienced players. At the training centre Castel Volturno, La Repubblica reports, he has changed the “carrot to the whip” approach.
“The players are not giving enough,” Allegri said, “a different attitude is needed.”The dissatisfaction became evident after the 1:1 draw against Fiorentina, when Allegri visibly left the press conference listless.
When his predecessor Antonio Conte already publicly criticized the squad after a 0:2 defeat to Bologna in the pre‑season, he said he had “no desire to look after a corpse”. This criticism shows that the head coach’s dissatisfaction in Napoli is not a new phenomenon.
Allegri wanted to sign Doumbia for Milan and Napoli, but Sporting have him
Kevin De Bruyne arrived in 2025 from Manchester City to the Partenopei on a free transfer. Shortly after his arrival he suffered a serious thigh injury, consequently lost his starting place under Conte and publicly criticised the style of the former Italian national team coach. For his comments he received a rebuke from Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis.
De Bruyne's current playing situation
Under Allegri the Belgian now features regularly in the starting eleven: after three appearances as a super‑sub he started six times most recently. In six league matches he scored one goal and provided one assist, both in the opening game against Genoa. Since then he has been waiting for a direct goal involvement.
After a 0:1 defeat to Champions League opponent FC Arsenal, De Bruyne responded to the question of when the “real De Bruyne” would be seen, saying:
“This is the real De Bruyne. I have no idea what you expect from me. I think I have played well. I know that in Italy a lot is said about fitness, but I have felt good from the first moment.”
Italian dominance in Bologna puts pressure on the Red Devils' chances
The Belgian is currently with the national team, where under the new coach Mark van Bommel he remains active after 124 caps. Following the international break, Napoli have the crucial league match against the strongly‑started Frosinone Calcio. This game marks the start of a demanding schedule with nine matches in 29 days.