Kevin De Bruyne is set for an emotional return to the Etihad Stadium on Thursday as his new club, Napoli, faces his former team, Manchester City, in a highly anticipated European campaign opener. De Bruyne parted ways with the Citizens in the summer of 2025 after nine legendary years, during which he helped City secure numerous trophies, including the historic treble in 2023.
This match marks De Bruyne`s first official comeback at the Etihad, an event eagerly awaited by fans and players alike.
Match Details
- Date: Thursday, September 18
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
- Odds: Man City -157; Draw +291; Napoli +394
Since his move to Napoli, De Bruyne has quickly made an impact, scoring two goals in the opening three Serie A matches, including a recent strike against Fiorentina. He is expected to receive a warm reception and homage from the Manchester City faithful. During his unforgettable decade at Manchester City, the Belgian playmaker made over 400 appearances and contributed to 19 major trophy wins under Pep Guardiola. Earlier this year, City`s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak confirmed that a statue honoring De Bruyne would be erected outside the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola expressed his excitement about De Bruyne`s return, stating, “Of course, it`s nice for him to come back. I`m excited to see him after the game and I`m not surprised on his impact at Napoli. He plays at that level, absolutely quick, the players at that level don`t need to adapt. He`s unique.”
Meanwhile, Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to make his Champions League debut for Napoli, following a strong performance in their 3-0 victory against Manchester United over the weekend. Donnarumma emphasized the importance of team unity, remarking, “It feels like I`ve been here for many years the way they`ve all welcomed me. I`m really proud of that – the attitude of a team has to be that, it has to be like a family… We have to be united on and away from the pitch. It was a huge thing, the result against United, for us to go higher and higher.”
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City XI:
Gianluigi Donnarumma; Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol; Rodri; Bernardo Silva, Tijjani Reijnders, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku; Erling Haaland.
Napoli XI:
Alex Meret; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Sam Beukema, Alessandro Buongiorno, Leonardo Spinazzola; Stanislav Lobotka; Matteo Politano, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay; Rasmus Hoejlund.
Prediction
Napoli has started the Serie A season confidently, but facing Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City at the Etihad will be a significant challenge. We predict a draw.
Pick: Manchester City 1, Napoli 1.
