A winning start for Allegri and Napoli
Massimiliano Allegri began his Napoli tenure with a 2-0 Serie A victory over Genoa, as Kevin De Bruyne delivered a decisive second-half display. The Belgian midfielder scored one goal and created another to help Napoli overcome a stubborn Genoa side in their 2026/27 season opener. Napoli were not at their fluent best for long spells, but their experience and quality proved crucial when the match remained in the balance. Allegri will be encouraged by the resilience shown by his new team, particularly after a difficult opening half.
Genoa create the early openings
Genoa made the stronger start and produced the better opportunities before the interval. Vítinha fired over in the seventh minute after Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret made an error, while Tommaso Baldanzi had a close-range effort blocked. Napoli responded through Alisson Santos, who flashed an attempt wide of the left post, before Leonardo Spinazzola finally tested Genoa goalkeeper Justin Bijlow. However, Bijlow comfortably dealt with Spinazzola’s scuffed strike as both teams struggled to establish sustained control.
The visitors remained organised and dangerous on the break, ensuring Napoli had to stay alert throughout the first half. Genoa’s pressing limited the influence of Napoli’s midfield players and prevented Allegri’s side from finding consistent attacking rhythm. Although the hosts enjoyed periods of possession, they lacked a clear final pass in the attacking third. The score remained goalless at half-time, with Genoa perhaps disappointed not to have converted their early momentum into a lead.
De Bruyne makes the difference
Neither side fully dominated after the restart, though Scott McTominay nearly created the breakthrough with a superb low cross into the six-yard area. Rasmus Hojlund was inches away from meeting the delivery, but could not make decisive contact. Napoli continued to probe, knowing that one moment of quality could change the contest. That moment arrived through De Bruyne, whose strength and composure proved decisive.
De Bruyne held off Johan Vasquez before finishing confidently past Bijlow from Vergara’s pass to give Napoli the lead. Five minutes later, the Belgium international turned provider, squaring the ball for Vergara to finish first-time. Sebastian Otoa attempted to prevent the effort from crossing the line, but could not stop Napoli from doubling their advantage. The two quick goals settled the game and gave Allegri an impressive winning start in Serie A.