How De Bruyne frustrated Allegri in Napoli’s 3-1 loss to Villarreal

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - OCTOBER 13: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli runs with the ball under pressure from Santi Comesana of Villarreal CF during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between Villarreal CF and SSC Napoli at Estadio de la Ceramica on October 13, 2026 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri confronted Kevin De Bruyne during a 3-1 loss against Villarreal and Gazzetta reports the Italian tactician looked ‘furious’ on the sidelines as the midfielder ignored his instructions.

Allegri and De Bruyne have different views on the midfielder’s best position on the field. The coach and the Belgian star animatedly discussed on the touchline during the first half of a 3-1 loss against Villarreal on Tuesday; and after the the final whistle, the Italian tactician said he and KDB “didn’t understand each other.”

Report De Bruyne ignored’ Allegri vs. Villarreal

Allegri wants De Bruyne to play into a more defensive midfield position in order to allow Scott McTominay have greater influence in the final third.

Allegri already said after last weekend’s Serie A match against Frosinone that De Bruyne doesn’t enjoy playing in that position and the duo’s different views were clear to see during the Villarreal clash.

According to Gazzetta, Allegri repeatedly called out De Bruyne asking him to drop deeper, but De Bruyne ignored his coach and became frustrated with his teammates, throwing his arms up, while a ‘furious’ Allegri looked on.

‘Kevin didn’t respond,’ wrote Gazzetta, ‘and he didn’t even turn around to meet his coach’s gaze.’

This is De Bruyne’s second season at Napoli and, in the past, the Belgian had already been very critical of Allegri’s predecessor Antonio Conte.