King Kev' sparks Napoli surge with goal and assist vs Genoa

King Kev' Kev Kevin De Bruyne, the 35‑year‑old Belg midfielder, dazzled Napoli against Genoa, earning praise from the Napolitanen after a goal and an assist. Aangezien he had only ten days of training, Massimiliano Allegri began him on the bench, and the Belg made the difference as a substitute. Bij Il Mattino he earned a 7 rating.

Allegri's bold substitution

De Bruyne entered the match as a substitute and produced the opening goal, which was controversial but counted, followed by an assist that secured Napoli’s lead. The Belgian’s impact turned the game in Napoli’s favour within minutes of his entry.

After the match Allegri praised him, saying, 'He is an extraordinary player, a player who does things that are very different from others. He sees things that others do not see. There are really very few players like him.'

Italian media shower praise

Corriere dello Sport awarded De Bruyne a 7.5, noting, 'King Kev is back. He delivered a powerful shoulder push, his second open‑play goal since his arrival in Naples, and everyone around him celebrated the lead. He also provided the assist for the second goal. 1+1 in just five minutes.'

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Il Mattino gave him a 7, commenting, 'He stormed the field, determined to score. With him inside the lines the Azzurri had the match fully under control.'

The Italian branch of Eurosport matched the 7.5 rating, stating, 'He came in, brought all his experience and class and unlocked a stuck match.'

Tuttosport observed that Napoli played 'in a completely different tempo' with De Bruyne, while Sky Sport Italia also gave him a 7.

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Il Messaggero rated him 7.5 and wrote, 'KDB made a real impression again at Napoli.'