Overview
- Napoli beat Sporting Lisbon 2-1 in the Champions League, with Kevin De Bruyne creating both goals for Rasmus Hojlund.
- De Bruyne and Antonio Conte each said there is no ongoing issue after the player’s visible frustration at being substituted in the 2-1 loss to AC Milan.
- Italian media questioned whether De Bruyne’s role has disrupted Scott McTominay’s positioning, while Arrigo Sacchi called the Belgian a resource rather than a problem and Andy Brassell framed the friction as productive.
- De Bruyne praised Hojlund and likened aspects of his game to Erling Haaland, noting the striker’s runs into space and movement to meet the ball.
- The Belgian has three Serie A goals and two Champions League assists in his early Napoli appearances, helping the title holders rebound in Europe after their opening defeat to Manchester City.