De Bruyne Aims for Injury-Free Season After Scoring in Napoli’s Opener
Kevin De Bruyne reflects on a challenging year for Napoli, emphasizing the importance of his goal against Genoa as a potential turning point. After surgery, he expressed hopes for an injury-free season and a chance to fully enjoy his football.
The Belgium international joined Napoli last summer on a free transfer from Manchester City but faced significant setbacks, including a serious thigh injury that required surgery, leading to frustrations with then-coach Antonio Conte’s tactical approach.
Genoa rage at referee after controversial De Bruyne goal: ‘All of Italy saw’
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Johan Vasquez of Genoa is challenged by Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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Under the guidance of coach Max Allegri, De Bruyne played a crucial role off the bench in the opening Serie A match of the season away to Genoa, scoring a goal and assisting Antonio Vergara for another.
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Genoa 0-2 Napoli
De Bruyne Hoping for Full Napoli Experience
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“I’m happy, it was a difficult game, especially in the beginning,” De Bruyne told Sky Sport Italia.
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“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. It’s nice to start with a victory and keep a clean sheet as well.”
Fans have only seen glimpses of De Bruyne’s potential since his arrival, and his starting position remains uncertain.
“Last year was difficult with surgery and five months out. I began well but returning in March when others are in their best form is tough. I’ve only been here two weeks due to the World Cup, but I’m trying to help the team. I hope to have an injury-free season and truly enjoy my football,” De Bruyne added.
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Manchester City opted not to renew his contract, allowing the midfielder to transfer for free to Napoli in 2025 partly due to his injuries.
“I’ve played for 18 years; the last three years have been tough with two surgeries and a hernia. I work hard and support my team, and in return, they support me as well,” De Bruyne stated.
“We finished second last season, which wasn’t bad, but we aim to do better this time.”
Kevin De Bruyne admits ‘last year was difficult’ for Napoli after surgery, but he the goal against Genoa can be a fresh start. ‘I hope to have an injury-free season and enjoy my football.’
The Belgium international arrived as a free agent last summer from Manchester City and promptly suffered a serious thigh tear that required an operation, then expressed frustration with Antonio Conte’s tactics.
Genoa rage at referee after controversial De Bruyne goal: ‘All of Italy saw’
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Johan Vasquez of Genoa is challenged by Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
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Now he is working under Max Allegri, came off the bench and scored in the opening Serie A match of the season away to Genoa, also setting up Antonio Vergara for the second goal.
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Genoa 0-2 Napoli
De Bruyne hoping for full Napoli experience
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 22: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on August 22, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“I’m happy, it was a difficult game, especially in the beginning,” De Bruyne told Sky Sport Italia.
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“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.”
It does feel as if Napoli fans only ever got brief glimpses of what the former Manchester City man is capable of, and it’s not clear when he’ll be back in the starting XI.
“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.
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It was because of his injury record that Manchester City decided not to offer him a new contract, allowing the midfielder to leave for free in 2025.
“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.
“Last season we finished second, which wasn’t bad, but we hope to do better this time.”
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