De Bruyne was a Juventus target before Napoli's Manna stepped in

Juventus wanted Kevin De Bruyne and were the first to make a move, but the deal went no further. In summer 2025, Napoli's Giovanni Manna stepped in, got ahead of the Bianconeri and landed a signing that had looked impossible.

The night carries extra meaning for De Bruyne. He has played Juventus three times, all with Manchester City, and has won none. Last season an injury kept him out of both games against them. His form in Napoli colours has not always been at its best, again because of a serious injury.

Now the Belgian looks a different player. Allegri has moved him to the base of midfield, and in recent games De Bruyne appears back at the level of his City years. He was Player of the Month in September, and on Wednesday at Monza he sealed the 4-1 win in the 67th minute. He and Meret are the two certain starters for Landucci, who is on the bench on Sunday in place of the suspended Allegri.

What the decision is worth

We say this with some satisfaction: if Juventus really had considered De Bruyne, Napoli won the contest that matters most, the one that is not played on the pitch. It is also a question we ask ourselves in the bar: what is it worth to a team now in seventh place to have a player that its rivals wanted and the club managed to sign?

His contract runs to June 2027, and our material shows no sign of a renewal for now. First comes Sunday's game, then Porto on Wednesday 4 November at 21:00 at the Dragão. Meanwhile De Bruyne still has a first win against Juventus to claim in any shirt.