Di Lorenzo ‘joked’ with Donnarumma about Man City vs. Napoli | OneFootball

Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo admits he ‘joked’ with Gigio Donnarumma about tonight’s Manchester City-Napoli clash and feels Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne are ‘accustomed to big challenges.’

Di Lorenzo spoke to Sky Sport Italia just a few hours before the kick-off of Manchester City-Napoli on Thursday.

The Partenopei are back in Europe’s elite competition after one season.

“We missed the Champions League, and we are happy to play in it again. City are a strong side, but this match will be helpful to measure our level,” Di Lorenzo said via TMW.

Tonight’s game will see Italy captain Donnarumma reunite with several compatriots, including Di Lorenzo.

This will also be Donnarumma’s first-ever Champions League game for Manchester City.

Di Lorenzo ‘joked’ with Donnarumma about Man City vs. Napoli

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City gives the team instructions during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“We have spoken these days, and we joked about the game even during the [Italy national team] training retreat,” Di Lorenzo admitted.

The Napoli captain and his teammates in defence will have a challenging task tonight as they’ll come up against one of the best centre-forwards in Europe, Erling Haaland.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Erling Haaland celebrates with Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City after a save during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“We know how devastating he is; we’ll need a high-level defensive performance to stop him,” said Di Lorenzo.

“We’ll have to be good in attack as well, trying to make the most of the few weak points they have.”

Di Lorenzo: De Bruyne and McTominay ‘accustomed to big challenges’

SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli and teammate Scott McTominay pose for a photo at full-time following their victory in the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

McTominay and De Bruyne have had a convincing start to the season at the Stadio Maradona and will start at the Etihad Stadium tonight. The Belgian will reunite with his ex-fans for the first time since leaving City at the end of his contract in June.

“They are accustomed to big challenges; they won’t suffer from Champions League pressure,” Di Lorenzo concluded.