Akanji makes De Bruyne prediction for 2026-27 as Napoli wait for Allegri | OneFootball

Inter defender Manuel Akanji insists Kevin De Bruyne can still have a ‘significant impact’ in Italian football as the Belgian was ‘unlucky’ in his first season at Napoli.

Inter centre-back Akanji spoke about his former Manchester City teammate De Bruyne during his latest interview with Gazzetta.

Akanji: De Bruyne can still have an impact in Serie A in 2026-27

“I think he can still have a significant impact in Italian football, absolutely,” Akanji said.

“Kevin is an extraordinary player and also a great friend of mine. This season, he was unlucky because an injury kept him out for a long time. When he returned, the title race was already decided. I would like to face Belgium and play against him, as it hasn’t happened often so far.”

COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Just a few weeks ago, De Bruyne caused outrage in Italy when saying that he was happy Antonio Conte had left Napoli.

The Italian tactician’s assistant Cristian Stellini hit back, saying that the Belgian had never shown enthusiasm during his first season at the Stadio Maradona.

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli are now waiting for Massimiliano Allegri to be released from Milan. Technically, the Italian is still under contract with the Rossoneri following his sacking at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Napoli have reached an agreement with an experienced Italian coach and are waiting for him to terminate his contract with the Rossoneri before starting his tenure at the Stadio Maradona.