Man City vs Napoli: Will Kevin de Bruyne return to haunt old club?

Former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte masterminded Napoli’s Scudetto success last season and they have started this campaign in impressive fashion, sitting top of the table again with a 100% record after three games.

The late Maradona spearheaded their title triumphs in 1987 and 1990 – they ended a 33-year wait to capture the top-flight trophy again in 2023, but lost their way the following year by finishing in 10th place.

Conte took over and worked with a system he was familiar with – a solid base with three at the back, and a team that was physically imposing with Romelu Lukaku up front.

Napoli edged top spot last season ahead of Inter Milan by a solitary point, conceding only 27 goals from their 38 games and with Lukaku leading the club’s scoring charts with 14 goals.

After taking the team to a tough training camp in the mountains of Trentino during pre-season, Conte is now looking to evolve into a more possession-based system and Lukaku’s injury has accelerated the process with the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United on loan with an obligation to buy permanently next summer.

“De Bruyne is the fundamental point of Conte’s 2.0 project,” added Credendino. “He has a player that is in the paradise of football players.

“In the last few years, Napoli have not had a player of the calibre of De Bruyne. They have had good young players who were trying to reach the top [echelons] of football like Victor Osimhen, Edinson Cavani and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

“De Bruyne is the one that is already famous when coming to Naples and is technically on another level compared to the other players. He is the only one capable of playing the ball 60 metres with precision. He is an important resource of Conte because he adds something different.”

BBC Sport reported in May there was disappointment from De Bruyne that City had not offered him a contract extension.

After an emotional send-off from the club which brought boss Pep Guardiola to tears, the midfielder will be given a hero’s welcome on Thursday as he returns to a place he describes as “home”.

De Bruyne appears to have fitted in seamlessly at his new residence, scoring two goals in his opening three games, and the City defenders will know first-hand the quality he possesses.

Guardiola said it will be “nice to have him back” and players at De Bruyne’s level “don’t need that much time to adapt”.

“I have spoken to Kevin and have asked him a few things,” added Conte. “He has been part of this club for 10 years and has had a great coach like Pep Guardiola.

“He will be excited to be playing but I am hoping after the first whistle he will find his feet and remember that he is playing for Napoli and contribute like he has been doing.”