Napoli fans are holding their breath! Key midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is likely sidelined until 2026 after suffering a significant hamstring injury during Napoli's thrilling 3-1 victory over Inter Milan. The injury occurred immediately after De Bruyne converted a penalty, leaving him clutching his thigh and needing assistance off the field.
The club confirmed the extent of the injury, describing it as a "large-scale lesion in the biceps femoris of his right thigh." While Napoli stated that De Bruyne has begun rehabilitation, reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Sport suggest he's unlikely to feature again this year. This is a massive blow to Napoli's ambitions of retaining their Serie A title.
De Bruyne, who joined Napoli from Manchester City, has quickly become a vital player, scoring four league goals in his first season. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in Napoli's upcoming matches, including their clash with Lecce.
The victory against Inter Milan, however, was a significant result for Napoli. Scott McTominay also found the net, contributing to the win that propelled Napoli to the top of the Serie A table, tied on points with AS Roma but leading on goal difference.
Adding to the drama of the Napoli-Inter match, referee Maurizio Mariani has been demoted following controversial decisions during the game. These included a disputed penalty call and a missed handball incident that angered Inter Milan. This highlights the intensity and scrutiny surrounding Serie A matches.
What does this mean for Napoli?
Losing De Bruyne is a major setback. His creativity and goal-scoring ability will be sorely missed. However, Napoli's victory against Inter Milan demonstrated their strength in depth. Players like McTominay and Anguissa stepped up, proving that Napoli can still compete at the highest level even without their star midfielder.
Key Takeaways:
- Kevin De Bruyne injured, likely out until 2026.
- Napoli beat Inter Milan 3-1, moving to the top of Serie A.
- Referee demoted for controversial decisions in the Napoli-Inter match.
Napoli fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for De Bruyne and that the team can maintain their momentum in his absence.