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The Champions League returns again with Manchester City set to welcome back Kevin De Bruyne as his Napoli side open up their European campaign at the Etihad
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Manchester City approach this fixture buoyed by a confidence-boosting 3-0 derby victory over struggling rivals Manchester United in the Premier League last Sunday, having previously suffered back-to-back defeats against Tottenham and Brighton before the international break. The win came on an emotional day at the Etihad, as the club paid tribute to late Manchester-born boxing legend and devoted City supporter Ricky Hatton. Local hero Phil Foden broke the deadlock in the first half, before Erling Haaland netted twice after the interval to secure all three points and local bragging rights for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Now, City are set to welcome a familiar face back to the Etihad, as Kevin De Bruyne returns with his new club Napoli for their opening League Phase clash of the 2025-26 Champions League on Thursday night. This encounter is the first between the two sides in Europe’s elite competition since the 2017-18 group stage, when City triumphed in both matches by a combined score of 6-3, including a 2-1 win at home.
Guardiola will be hoping the derby win signals a turning point after a sluggish start to the campaign. While City are also preparing for a crucial trip to title contenders Arsenal, their immediate priority is to begin their 15th consecutive Champions League season on a strong note. The 2023 champions will be determined to avoid a repeat of last year’s disappointing League Phase, where they finished 22nd out of 36 teams (W3 D2 L3) and were knocked out by Real Madrid in the playoff round. Despite losing four of their last five Champions League matches (W1), City boast an impressive record at the Etihad, remaining unbeaten in their last 21 group-stage/League Phase games (W18 D3) and winning five of their last six opening fixtures in the competition (D1)—a promising sign ahead of Thursday’s test against Napoli.
Napoli, on the other hand, arrive in excellent form after claiming their second Serie A title in three seasons—and their first under Antonio Conte—in 2024-25. They have started their title defense in perfect fashion, winning their first three league matches against Cagliari, Sassuolo, and Fiorentina. New signing Rasmus Hojlund, recruited from Manchester United, scored just 14 minutes into his debut in last weekend’s 3-1 win at Fiorentina, following an early penalty from fellow new arrival De Bruyne—his second goal since leaving City.
Despite Napoli’s impressive start, Conte has urged his squad to avoid complacency, highlighting a late lapse in concentration that allowed Fiorentina to score in the final 10 minutes. Napoli will be the fifth club Conte has managed in the Champions League, following stints with Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Tottenham. The Italian side are gearing up for their ninth appearance in the competition, having missed out on the 2024-25 edition for the first time since 2009-10.
Man City vs Napoli Betting Tips
- Man City to win and both teams to score - 5/2
- Over 2.5 goals - 4/5
- Kevin De Bruyne to score/assist - 11/5
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