Featured Image Credit: Francesco Pecoraro / Stringer via Gettya
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli, Serie A, Football, Transfers, Manchester City, Man City, Antonio Conte
James Taylor
Topics: Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli, Serie A, Football, Transfers, Manchester City, Man City, Antonio Conte
Italian media have already reached immediate verdict on Kevin De Bruyne's start at Napoli, just two games into his Serie A career.
De Bruyne joined the Italian champions this summer, bringing an end to a decade-long spell at Manchester City.
He made an instant impact at Napoli and scored a classy free kick on his competitive debut. Napoli fans got their first sight of the Belgian superstar last weekend, as he started his first home game at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last weekend.
De Bruyne was substituted after 81 minutes, but Napoli were able to snatch a last-gasp winner to continue their perfect start to the Serie A season. But one of Italy's most famous newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport has suggested that fans have not yet seen the Belgian at his best in a Napoli shirt.
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They wrote: "For now, he's kept a slow pace, showing signs of not being in optimal athletic condition. However, under Conte, only runners play, so it's only a matter of time.
"In the meantime, he's also gotten to know the catenaccio system, understanding why Serie A is so complex from a tactical standpoint.
"Napoli won him over for the project and because he'll primarily serve as a tutor in Conte's team during the European campaign."
In their opening day victory over Sassuolo, Napoli lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation.
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Stanislav Lobotka was tasked with the defensive midfield role, while de Bruyne partnered Frank Anguissa in front of the Slovak.
Scott McTominay, who was named Serie A's Most Valuable Player last season, started on the left and frequently linked up with de Bruyne.
De Bruyne, McTominay and Napoli's striker Lorenzo Lucca frequently rotated positions, showing the potential versatility which fans can expect.
After Romelu Lukaku was ruled out for several months with injury, Antonio Conte's side sought reinforcements to ease the burden on Lucca.
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Following their success with a former Manchester United player in McTominay, the Italians decided to approach the English club over another player.
Rasmus Hojlund, who had been frozen out by United following their signing of Benjamin Sesko, joined Napoli on loan.
The deal includes a clause that will make it a £38m permanent transfer, if Napoli qualify for next season's Champions League.
As the defending Italian champions, it is a scenario that seems likely.