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De Bruyne played just 21 games in 2025-2026 after suffering a thigh injury, scoring five goals and recording four assists after his free transfer to Italy from Manchester City.

The Belgium international was also critical of Antonio Conte's tactics, claiming he would have left the club if Conte had not been replaced by Allegri.

Allegri sees De Bruyne providing a bigger impact this season after being surprised by the midfielder's fitness ahead of his side's Serie A opener against Genoa.

"He arrived later on, but he’s already in good shape," Allegri said of De Bruyne.

"I didn’t think he’d already be at this level after 10 days. Big players can play everywhere; they know how to play there and can find the best position."

Napoli finished second in Serie A last term, 11 points behind champion Inter Milan, as the Partenopei's title defence ultimately failed.

While Inter has been backed as favourite to retain the Scudetto by many, Allegri believes it could be an open battle.

"We won’t talk about favourites, but Inter have the Scudetto on their chests, so, logically, they are favourites," Allegri said.

"It will be a thrilling season with seven teams, eight with Inter [fighting for the title]: Napoli, Inter, Juventus, Milan, Como, Roma, Fiorentina and Atalanta.

"It’s all to be discovered, and you have to be good and balanced.

"In 15 days, the Champions League starts, and that’s another goal, another wonderful competition, and then there’s the Coppa Italia. The team must remain competitive in all competitions."