Napoli. De Bruyne's role is the key to understanding his absence

Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who scored a brace against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League, is not a starter in the Neapolitan side because the role he plays with the Belgian national team is different from the one the coach has available at Napoli.

The role in the national team

With the Belgian national team De Bruyne always plays as a mezzala, the position that has established him in recent years. Il Mattino notes that in Belgium his task is to advance between the opponent's lines, combining power and progression.

In yesterday's match against Turkey, the midfielder scored two goals, showing power, incredible progression and a number at the edge of the area, as Il Mattino reports: “In De Bruyne's brace there is everything: first the power, the incredible progression and the number at the edge of the area to hurt the opponent.”

At Napoli, however, the mezzala role has never been filled, for one reason or another, according to Il Mattino. The coach, Massimiliano Allegri, is taking notes on how to adapt the midfield to the Belgian's profile.

The newspaper Il Mattino asks “Why is this De Bruyne not seen at Napoli?” and suggests that the lack of a suitable role is the main answer.

If Allegri manages to find a position for De Bruyne, Napoli could exploit his ability to create high‑level chances, but for now the role difference remains the main obstacle.

The nickname KDB has become synonymous with creativity and precision, qualities that Napoli has displayed only when the Belgian has been deployed under the right conditions, as the performance against Turkey demonstrates.