Is it worth backing Kevin De Bruyne to fire Napoli to Serie A glory?

De Bruyne joins the Serie A champions as they prepare to return to Europe’s elite club competition, and he could add real quality to their midfield.

Odds courtesy of Betway. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

De Bruyne’s recent numbers

Not too long ago, Kevin De Bruyne was considered arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League - one of the best in the world. His numbers for Manchester City were staggering at times, and he was a huge part of their success under Pep Guardiola. However, all good things come to an end.

He left City with an impressive record of 285 goals and assists in 422 matches. That haul was accompanied by six Premier League titles, a couple of FA Cup wins and a Champions League medal. There have been numerous individual awards along the way as well.

He has even managed to deliver over the last couple of seasons. In 2024/25, he got 14 goals and assists in a torrid City campaign, playing 40 games for Guardiola’s men. The previous campaign was disrupted by injury, but he still managed an impressive 24 goal contributions in 26 appearances - nearly one per game. 

Now in Naples, he’ll be linking up with a revitalised Romelu Lukaku and a reborn Scott McTominay. This promises to be an exciting watch for Gli Azzurri fans. At 34, De Bruyne may benefit from the slower tempo of Serie A, and his quality could make him an excellent acquisition.

Napoli return to Europe this season after missing out in 2024/25, and their big-name summer recruit brings exactly the sort of experience they need.

Can Napoli do it again?

Napoli fans waited a long time for their Scudetto drought to end - 33 years to be exact, but they have now claimed two of the last three. Last season’s title was built on a solid defence that conceded just 27, while contributions from Lukaku and McTominay played a big part.

This time, however, they’ll have to deal with a lot more games as they return to the UCL, and Conte has strengthened accordingly. Key players have stayed, while additions like Sam Beukema, Noa Lang and Luca Marianucci bolster the squad. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and Lorenzo Luca have also been signed on loan, and offer even further depth.

However, it’s De Bruyne who has truly raised expectations. With his experience and unique skillset, he can be the one to open up defences with ease. Given how McTominay adapted after his move from England, there is every reason to believe the Belgian can do something similar.

Napoli’s attackers could benefit the most. Lukaku and KDB know each other well after years in the national team together, and could click into place immediately. Giacomo Raspadori may well increase his numbers too.

Inter Milan ran Napoli very close in 2024/25, and other clubs will be eager to make a better challenge this time out. Still, if De Bruyne can drive their attack and their defence stays firm, I Partenopei could be in with a chance once again. Wearing Diego Maradona’s 10 in Naples is an honour, and ‘King Kev’ will want to live up to it.