Kevin De Bruyne can inspire historical Napoli feat on Manchester City return
Kevin De Bruyne can help Napoli achieve a piece of European football history on his emotional return to Manchester City on Thursday.
After spending 10 seasons at the Etihad Stadium, De Bruyne joined Napoli in the summer transfer window.
The 34-year-old has already scored two goals in three appearances for the defending Serie A champions, helping them to a 3-1 win over Fiorentina last time out.
Meanwhile, Manchester City hammered local rivals Manchester United 3-0 on Sunday, 14 September, and are vying to maintain their form.
Napoli boast a woeful record in England
When Manchester City clash with Napoli on 18 September, Erling Haaland can make Champions League history if he notches his 50th goal in the competition in fewer games than any other player.
The Norwegian sensation would smash Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record by reaching that milestone in just 48 matches.
Meanwhile, Napoli are chasing a piece of history themselves, as they have never beaten an English side on away soil in any European competition.
Modern-day Manchester City legend De Bruyne could haunt his former club and become the man to inspire Napoli to victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City need to enjoy a strong start to their Champions League season
Former Premier League star Paolo Di Canio believes that Napoli can beat Man City at the Etihad Stadium on 18 September.
| Napoli’s last three results | Serie A 2025/26 |
| Sassuolo (A) | 0-2 W |
| Cagliari (H) | 1-0 W |
| Fiorentina (A) | 1-3 W |
Antonio Conte’s men are in a rich vein of form, having earned three wins from three attempts in the Italian top flight this season.
However, Pep Guardiola’s men must ensure that they get the better of the Serie A giants, due to their relatively poor start to the Premier League campaign.
Manchester City are determined to achieve success this term, having failed to win silverware last season, but they have already lost two games in the top flight.
Therefore, Guardiola must ensure that his side enjoy a strong start in the Champions League before they face a tough Premier League encounter at Arsenal on Sunday, 21 September.
Meanwhile, Man City supporters will hope that De Bruyne, as well as former Manchester United duo Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, don’t inflict damage on their side on 18 September.