Manna: ‘De Bruyne ambition at Napoli, Hojlund positive spirit’ | OneFootball

Napoli director Giovanni Manna reveals why Kevin De Bruyne joined them to be ‘ambitious’ and Rasmus Hojlund has a ‘positive spirit’ against Manchester City in the Champions League.

It kicks off at the Etihad City of Manchester Stadium at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The reigning champions of Italy started their Serie A season with a 100 per cent record, but are back in Europe after a year out and straight away visit Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Napoli tempted De Bruyne to Italy

SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli controls the ball whilst under pressure from Armand Lauriente of Sassuolo during 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)

Both teams use unchanged line-ups from the weekend, so there is zero squad rotation from either side, including Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in goal. Is this also because of his ability to play out from the back?

“We have two excellent goalkeepers, Vanja has specific characteristics and did well in Florence, so we hope to do well tonight too,” Manna told Sky Sport Italia.

Another return to Manchester tonight is from striker Hojlund, who made the move from Manchester United after the Romelu Lukaku injury, and already scored on his Napoli debut against Fiorentina.

“Hojlund settled in very quickly, it is a strong squad, he already knows Italy even if he was young, and Manchester United’s results last season were tough for everyone. He arrived with a positive spirit, and we believe he can have a good impact.”

FLORENCE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 13: Antonio Conte manager of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring a goal with Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SSC Napoli at Artemio Franchi on September 13, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The focus will all be on De Bruyne, who faces his former teammates just months after leaving Manchester City as a free agent.

Manna was asked how tough it was for Napoli to sign De Bruyne, considering Chicago Fire and MLS had been very interested.

“We were always pretty confident, as when we met him, he told us that he felt ambitious, wanted to compete at an international level,” replied the director.

“It was a great opportunity that we took, it is curious for him to make his Champions League here in what was his home for many years, where he had glorious success.

“This is certainly not the game that will dictate the quality of the player, that is well known already, and we are happy to have him with us.”