Arezzo boss Bucchi backs De Bruyne to shine at Napoli after debut

Arezzo head coach Cristian Bucchi backed Kevin De Bruyne to play a starring role for Napoli after seeing his debut for the Serie A giants up close.

Bucchi, who made 34 appearances for Napoli during his playing career, led his side, who play in Serie C, to a 2-0 friendly victory over the Scudetto victors on Tuesday.

Antonio Conte named a strong starting side at Stadio Comunale, with De Bruyne, Noa Lang and Lorenzo Lucca all handed their debuts.

De Bruyne was at the heart of Napoli’s attacks in the first half, firing over after being found by Alessandro Zanoli, while also showing some neat combinations with Lang.

But it was Lang’s mistimed tackle inside the area that handed Arezzo the chance to take the lead in the 38th minute, with Emiliano Pattarello stepping up to convert the spot-kick.

Conte made 10 changes to his lineup for the second half, with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa the only survivor as Sam Beukema was brought on for his first outing for his new team.

Napoli should have levelled midway through the second half when David Neres struck the woodwork from close range, with the Brazilian also squandering two earlier efforts.

But Arezzo grabbed their second in the 90th minute when Muhamed Varela pounced on a misplaced Pasquale Mazzochi header to seal an impressive victory.

Oggi scendiamo in campo così

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— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) July 22, 2025

Bucchi acknowledged that his team were further ahead in their preparations for the 2025-26 season compared to their opponents, but he was impressed by Napoli’s new arrivals.

“In my opinion, it’s a great signing. He also has speed and knows how to make the team play,” Bucchi said of former Manchester City man De Bruyne.

“I had the impression of De Bruyne of his leadership since he started the warm-up. I saw the respect that his team-mates have for him.

“We hope he can show the best De Bruyne. I think he still has a lot to give.”