Allegri: De Bruyne substitution was cramp, not injury

Massimiliano Allegri said Kevin De Bruyne's late withdrawal against Bologna was down to cramp. Rather than injury, easing concerns after the Belgian was replaced by Matias Olivera in the 88th minute of Napoli's 1-0 win.

"He expended a lot of energy, it was cramp," Allegri said on Sky Sport Italia.

Stanislav Lobotka scored the only goal in Napoli's first home win of the season. De Bruyne, signed from Manchester City in August 2025, took up a more advanced role near the striker and has seven goals for Napoli so far.

"Today the game was wanted and won with anger, something that was missing between Como and Inter. There we were too superficial, even though we did some good things," Allegri said.

Asked about De Bruyne's positioning, the coach backed the 35-year-old to keep playing close to the forward line. "I think Kevin has played there his whole life. He is so good at creating space for himself, at understanding when to drop deeper, that arguing about it is practically impossible," Allegri said. "From the way he controls the ball and the way he passes it, you can see he is completely different. For his age he has to be managed."

Allegri also praised his substitutes, including Noa Lang, who has one goal since joining Napoli in October 2025, and singled out Favasuli's impact off the bench. On Lorenzo Lucca, introduced late, he revealed a short instruction: "He was coming on and I told him: open your shoulders. He came on well, as he did against Arsenal too. These are good lads who can improve. Mentally they need confidence."

The win lifted Napoli to six points from four Serie A games, though they remain in 10th place.