Kevin De Bruyne Compares Italian and English Football Styles, Anticipates Facing Mohamed Salah

Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian midfielder, has highlighted the contrasts in football styles he experienced playing in Italy compared to the Premier League. De Bruyne discussed how his time in Serie A introduced him to a different approach to the game.

De Bruyne moved to Napoli at the beginning of the 2025-26 season after a 10-year career in the Premier League with Manchester City. During his tenure at Manchester City, he secured six league titles and won the 2022-23 Champions League.

Upon joining Napoli, De Bruyne quickly made an impact, scoring four goals in his first eight league appearances. However, his initial season was interrupted by a hamstring injury sustained against Inter on October 25, 2025. This injury sidelined him for over four months, limiting him to 18 league appearances during his first season in Italy. He addressed his condition heading into the World Cup, acknowledging the impact of his recovery period.

Regarding the stylistic differences, De Bruyne noted, "I faced a very different style of playing in Italy than I was probably used to in England. In a way there are some things you can take about learning how to defend deep and all that kind of stuff. Sure, you take some things."

De Bruyne also expressed his anticipation for Belgium's upcoming 2026 World Cup match against Egypt, which will see him face Mohamed Salah. "It’s going to be nice to see Mo (Salah) again," De Bruyne stated, reflecting on their decade-long rivalry in the Premier League and their children attending the same school.

According to Yahoo Sports Soccer, De Bruyne looks forward to competing against Salah once more, likening it to "old times."