The change of manager at Napoli could give Kevin De Bruyne a completely different look. After a difficult first season under Antonio Conte, the Belgian international midfielder now finds himself under the orders of Massimiliano Allegri, who intends to hand him a central role in his new Neapolitan project.
Acknowledged struggles with the Conte system
De Bruyne had himself publicly admitted his difficulties adapting to his predecessor's system, explaining that he had never truly played in his preferred position. The Belgian had also underlined the importance of playing style in his thinking about his future at the club.
On the physical side, the season was marked by a lengthy spell on the injury list. De Bruyne ultimately featured in just 21 Serie A appearances, for 1,436 minutes of playing time, 5 goals and 4 assists.
Allegri wants to build around him
The new manager has an entirely different vision for the Belgian. Several Italian analyses present him as one of the players around whom Allegri wishes to build his Napoli. His footballing intelligence, his passing accuracy and his ability to change the course of a match match the profile the coach wants to place at the heart of his attacking system.
On the tactical side, several configurations are being considered. De Bruyne could operate in a midfield three, with greater freedom to drive forward and create, or in a more attacking role supporting the striker. Early thinking around Allegri's Napoli is pointing notably towards a 4-3-3 and its variants.
A fresh start to build
The change of direction could therefore offer De Bruyne the opportunity to start afresh on new foundations. On one hand, Allegri wants to make him a key player; on the other, the Belgian is above all waiting for a tactical environment in which he can rediscover his full influence.
After a frustrating first season in Naples, the challenge this summer will be to see whether the two men can work together to build a more ambitious and resolutely attacking Napoli.
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