Kevin De Bruyne hopes his goal and assist on Napoli’s opening Serie A weekend can mark the beginning of a more positive campaign after an injury-disrupted first season at the club.
The Belgium international came off the bench to score Napoli’s first goal and set up Antonio Vergara for the second in a 2-0 victory away to Genoa. The result also gave new manager Max Allegri a clean-sheet win in his first Serie A match in charge.
De Bruyne joined Napoli as a free agent last summer after leaving Manchester City, but his debut season was severely affected by a serious thigh injury. The problem required surgery and kept him out of action for five months.
He later voiced frustration with Antonio Conte’s tactics, while Napoli fans saw only occasional flashes of the quality that had made him one of Manchester City’s most influential players.
“I’m happy, it was a difficult game, especially in the beginning,” De Bruyne told Sky Sport Italia.
“After 20-25 minutes the team started to control, and in the second half we were pushing good. Obviously, we scored the two goals in the end, nice to start with a victory and keep a clean sheet as well.”
The midfielder is still working towards full match fitness and it remains unclear when he will return to the starting XI. He has been with the squad for only two weeks because of the World Cup, but was able to make a decisive contribution from the bench against Genoa.
“Last year was difficult, to have surgery like this and be out for five months. I think I started well last year, but it’s really hard to return in March when everyone else is in top form.
“I’ve only been here two weeks because of the World Cup, I think I’m doing well, I’m trying to help the team and hope to have an injury-free season, and I hope that I can enjoy my football,” continued De Bruyne.
The 2025 move to Napoli came after Manchester City opted not to offer De Bruyne a new contract, with his recent injury record a factor in the decision. The Belgian has also undergone two other surgeries and had a hernia during the latter stages of his career.
“I’ve been playing 18 years, obviously the last three years have been difficult, I had two surgeries and a hernia. I try to work hard and help the team, and they will help me too.
Napoli finished second last season, but De Bruyne says the club’s ambition remains to improve on that position.
“Last season we finished second, which wasn’t bad, but we hope to do better this time.”
The victory at Genoa provided Napoli with an ideal start as they look to mount a stronger challenge, while De Bruyne will hope his first decisive appearance of the campaign leads to a sustained run of fitness and form.
