Napoli director Giovanni Manna reveals why Kevin De Bruyne joined them to be ‘formidable’ and Rasmus Hojlund has a ‘optimistic spirit’ in opposition to Manchester Metropolis within the Champions League.
It kicks off on the Etihad Metropolis of Manchester Stadium at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
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The reigning champions of Italy began their Serie A season with a 100 per cent file, however are again in Europe after a 12 months out and immediately go to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester Metropolis.
Napoli tempted De Bruyne to Italy
SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli controls the ball while beneath stress from Armand Lauriente of Sassuolo through the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photograph by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Photographs)
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Each groups use unchanged line-ups from the weekend, so there may be zero squad rotation from both aspect, together with Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in aim. Is that this additionally due to his skill to play out from the again?
“We now have two glorious goalkeepers, Vanja has particular traits and did nicely in Florence, so we hope to do nicely tonight too,”
One other return to Manchester tonight is from striker Hojlund, who made the transfer from Manchester United after the Romelu Lukaku damage, and already scored on his Napoli debut in opposition to Fiorentina.
“Hojlund settled in in a short time, it’s a robust squad, he already is aware of Italy even when he was younger, and Manchester United’s outcomes final season have been powerful for everybody. He arrived with a optimistic spirit, and we imagine he can have a very good affect.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Antonio Conte supervisor of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring a aim with Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli through the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Artemio Franchi on September 13, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photograph by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Photographs)
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The main target will all be on De Bruyne, who faces his former teammates simply months after leaving Manchester Metropolis as a free agent.
Manna was requested how powerful it was for Napoli to signal De Bruyne, contemplating Chicago Hearth and MLS had been very .
“We have been all the time fairly assured, as after we met him, he advised us that he felt formidable, wished to compete at a global stage,” replied the director.
“It was an incredible alternative that we took, it’s curious for him to make his Champions League right here in what was his house for a few years, the place he had superb success.
“That is actually not the sport that may dictate the standard of the participant, that’s well-known already, and we’re glad to have him with us.”