Kevin De Bruyne Could Make First Napoli Start Against His Favorite Opponent

De Bruyne in line for his first Napoli start

Kevin De Bruyne could be handed his first start for Napoli on one of European football’s biggest stages. The Italian side host Arsenal at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday in their Champions League opener, with Massimiliano Allegri considering changes to his lineup.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Italian coach is weighing up a start for De Bruyne in place of Antonio Vergara as Napoli look to bounce back from a painful defeat to Inter Milan at San Siro.

There is also an intriguing subplot surrounding De Bruyne’s potential inclusion: Arsenal are the team he has scored more goals against than any other opponent in his career. After years of facing the Gunners in the Premier League, the Belgian knows them particularly well.

Arsenal are De Bruyne’s favorite opponent

The numbers underline just how dangerous De Bruyne has been against the North London side. He has scored eight goals in 22 career appearances against Arsenal across all competitions, his best scoring record against any opponent.

His more recent numbers are just as impressive. The midfielder has been directly involved in 12 goals in his last 17 starts against the Gunners, including three goals and two assists across their last three meetings.

Now he could renew that rivalry in very different surroundings. De Bruyne is approaching his 83rd Champions League appearance, but this time he could take the field wearing Napoli colors and make his first start for the Italian club.

Hojlund could benefit from De Bruyne’s creativity

A start for De Bruyne could also be welcome news for Rasmus Hojlund, who stands to benefit from the Belgian’s vision and creativity in the final third.

The pair have already shown how effective their partnership can be. Hojlund scored twice against Sporting CP, with De Bruyne setting up both goals.

Against an opponent of Arsenal’s quality, De Bruyne’s ability to find pockets of space, deliver the final ball and create chances could become one of Napoli’s most important attacking weapons.

Allegri considering more Champions League changes

De Bruyne may not be the only player brought into the starting lineup following the defeat to Inter.

Mathias Olivera is competing with Leonardo Spinazzola for the left-back spot, while Billy Gilmour could replace Stanislav Lobotka in midfield after the latter showed signs of fatigue at San Siro.

Napoli will also be without Alessandro Buongiorno, Davide Marianucci and Gennaro Giovane during this stage of the competition after all three were left off the club’s squad list submitted to UEFA.

Napoli looking for an immediate response in Europe

The Arsenal clash comes at an important time for Napoli. After their setback against Inter, Allegri’s side need to respond quickly while navigating a demanding schedule that also includes upcoming Serie A fixtures against Bologna and Fiorentina.

De Bruyne’s experience could prove invaluable. The Belgian has spent years delivering on major European nights, and he may now get his first opportunity to do so from the opening whistle for Napoli against a very familiar opponent.

Arsenal know all about the damage Kevin De Bruyne can cause. Now, wearing different colors, the Belgian could get another shot at his favorite opponent on Europe’s biggest stage.

3 Key Takeaways Ahead of De Bruyne’s Arsenal Reunion

• First start on the cards: De Bruyne could make his first Napoli start in Wednesday’s Champions League opener.
• His favorite opponent: the Belgian has scored eight goals in 22 appearances against Arsenal, more than against any other team in his career.
• Napoli need a response: after losing to Inter, Allegri is considering several changes as his side look to bounce back in Europe.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube