Tension between Kevin De Bruyne and Massimiliano Allegri after Napoli's defeat

Three days after his brace against Frosinone, Kevin De Bruyne saw tension rise with his coach, Massimiliano Allegri, during Tuesday night’s Champions League match against Villarreal, where Napoli’s Red Devils lost 3-1.

A freed role that backfires

The Belgian started the game in a more advanced position, between midfield and attack, before dropping back in the second half. Paired alongside Rasmus Højlund, he was meant to disrupt the Spanish possession, but he ended up positioning himself behind Scott McTominay.

Tactical consequences and disagreement

This repositioning left Italy stretched, leading to a collective collapse. Allegri recalled at the press conference: “At one point I asked De Bruyne to position himself between the two midfielders because he is more technical than McTominay, but we did not understand each other.”

The Neapolitan coach also emphasized the importance of limiting mistakes in Europe, reminding that “In the Champions League, you must make as few errors as possible.”

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A half‑hearted performance

Unlike his display against Frosinone, where he scored two goals, De Bruyne did not replicate his top form against Villarreal. His late withdrawal did not allow Napoli to regain balance, and they conceded a third goal.

Growing pressure on Allegri

The defeat heightens the pressure on Allegri, whose Partenopei are only aiming for eighth place in Serie A despite the crushing win over Frosinone. In the Champions League, Napoli can no longer afford any mistake after a 0‑0 start.

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