Former Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson has leapt to the defence of Bruno Fernandes, insisting the midfielder is unfairly criticised and would be just as effective as Kevin De Bruyne had he joined Manchester City instead of the Red Devils. Atkinson also backed Fernandes’ tendency to call out team-mates, given the level he expects from them at Old Trafford.

Manchester City outcast Jack Grealish had an interesting response when quizzed on speculation he could join Napoli this summer.

Axel Witsel believes Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric will be the best midfielders in Serie A next season and picked his favourites to win the league.

Kevin De Bruyne’s first outing in a Napoli shirt ended in unexpected disappointment as the Serie A giants fell to a 2-0 loss against third-tier side Arezzo in pre-season. Despite the shock result, the Belgian star struck a positive tone on social media, calling the match 'some good minutes' as Gli Azzurri prepare to defend their Scudetto title in the 2025/26 season.

Kevin De Bruyne’s much-anticipated first appearance for Napoli ended in disappointment as the reigning Serie A titleholders suffered an unexpected 2-0 defeat to third-division club Arezzo in a pre-season friendly. The Belgian midfielder, who recently joined from Manchester City, was handed a starting role by manager Antonio Conte, but the night didn’t unfold as planned for the star-studded Italian side.