De Bruyne: Italy out of the World Cup is a ‘huge loss’ | OneFootball

Napoli star Kevin De Bruyne is happy he’s helped a new generation of Belgian footballers to ‘grow’ but admits Italy missing out on the World Cup is a ‘huge loss.’

Napoli and Belgium star De Bruyne released an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport during which he obviously faced some questions about Italy missing out on the World Cup for the third time in a row.

De Bruyne on Italy crisis: Level in Europe ‘higher and higher’

“I think the level in Europe is getting higher and higher. It’s not easy to win every match, and even the smaller national teams can build decent squads and get results,” said the Napoli star.

“Of course, not going to the World Cup for a country like Italy is a huge loss. But there’s nothing that can be done about it.”

Is Italian football in a crisis?

“Maybe. If you don’t qualify for the World Cup three times in a row, maybe you are,” KDB replied.

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)

“But I don’t know the details. I don’t know the structure or the philosophy, from the youth level up to the top. So I can’t really say.”

Belgium have qualified for the World Cup and have been placed in Group G with Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli, instead of celebrating the goal, stops everyone due to an injury 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)

“It’s always special. Everything is moving in the right direction,” De Bruyne said.

“Representing your country is an honour. I know people expect a lot from me. I have to help this new generation grow so we can go far. It’s different from the past, but I like it.”