Allegri provides De Bruyne update and reveals what he told Lucca in Napoli win: ‘Open your shoulders’
NAPLES, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 13: Massimiliano Allegri SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 13, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Massimiliano Allegri has eased fears over Kevin De Bruyne, confirming the Belgian was withdrawn late in Napoli’s win over Bologna with cramp rather than anything more serious.
The coach addressed the substitution while speaking to Sky Sport Italia after a 1-0 victory settled by Stanislav Lobotka, his side’s first home win of the campaign.
“He expended a lot of energy, it was cramp,” Allegri said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb. “Today the game was wanted and won with anger, something that was missing between Como and Inter. There we were too superficial, even though we did some good things.”
Allegri backs De Bruyne in advanced role
De Bruyne operated closer to the striker at the Maradona, and Allegri suggested it is simply where the 35-year-old belongs.
“I think Kevin has played there his whole life. He is so good at creating space for himself, at understanding when to drop deeper, that arguing about it is practically impossible,” he said. “From the way he controls the ball and the way he passes it, you can see he is completely different. For his age he has to be managed.”
The coach was also asked about his substitutes, with Favasuli and Noa Lang both making an impact after the interval, and Lorenzo Lucca introduced late on.
“He was very good, he had also come on well against Arsenal,” Allegri said of Favasuli. “Politano worked hard in the first 45 minutes, then we needed fresh energy. The same goes for Vergara. At the start of this season with these temperatures, making changes at half-time can sometimes be useful.”
On Lucca, Allegri revealed a simple instruction. “He was coming on and I told him: open your shoulders. He came on well, as he did against Arsenal too. These are good lads who can improve. Mentally they need confidence.”
Allegri was not entirely satisfied, though, pointing to Napoli’s tendency to circulate possession in the wrong areas. “In the end we could have managed some situations better, we were keeping the ball in our own half when we need to do it in the opposition box. We conceded little all the same, so let us enjoy this win, which is the first at home. Hopefully it is a good start.”
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