De Bruyne rescues Napoli in league opener with goal and assist

Kevin De Bruyne emerged as Napoli's savior in their league debut, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the final minutes to secure a 2-0 victory over Genoa. De Bruyne, who had been the subject of speculation due to clashes with the club's management, entered the match as a substitute in the second half and ultimately turned the tide for the Neapolitan side.

The match featured a tactical battle between coaches Massimiliano Allegri and Daniele de Rossi, who share a close personal relationship. Napoli, playing their first official game without star forward Santiago Castro, who transferred to Roma, struggled to find their rhythm initially. Genoa, similarly, missed their attacking reference point.

Despite a subdued first half with few clear chances for either side, Napoli increased their intensity after the break. De Bruyne's introduction in the 67th minute, alongside Stanislav Lobotka, proved pivotal. He broke the deadlock in the 81st minute and then set up Antonio Vergara for the second goal in the 87th, sealing the win.

De Bruyne's performance was particularly significant given his recent public disagreements with the former coach, Antonio Conte, and rumors surrounding his future. His decisive contribution on the opening day demonstrated his leadership and importance to the team, much to the satisfaction of coach Allegri. Napoli will next host Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, while Genoa faces Lazio.

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We played well, the fact that we didn't score more goals doesn't mean we didn't create enough chances or that we weren't good, but that the opposing goalkeeper was very good.