Roberto Mancini has taken his fair share of criticism following Italy’s 2-0 defeat against Belgium in the Nations League on Friday night, but Napoli head coach Massimiliano Allegri has also ended up in the crossfire after an impressive performance from Kevin De Bruyne on the night.

The post-match player ratings from the leading newspapers in Italy agree that De Bruyne was one most impressive performers as the Azzurri fell to a 2-0 defeat at home against Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico: Mika Godts and Dodi Lukebakio with the goals.

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 25: Mika Godts of Belgium scores a opening goal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

La Gazzetta dello Sport gave De Bruyne a rating of 7/10, highlighting his creative output and his physical assertiveness. Tuttosport rated De Bruyne at 7.5/10, suggesting that he was far more productive with Belgium than he ever has been with Napoli. The Corriere della Sera agreed with that sentiment, giving him a rating of 7/10 and questioning ‘what is Allegri thinking?’.

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 25: Alessandro Romano of Italy compete for the ball with kevin De Bruyne during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on September 25, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)

Those comments come following reports at the start of the week that tension and frustrations are increasing at Napoli, and that Allegri’s honeymoon period as head coach has already come to an end.

Allegri cut a frustrated figure during his post-match press conference at the end of Napoli’s recent 1-1 Serie A draw against Fiorentina , and the post-match reports claim that he is growing increasingly frustrated with his players’ attitude.

It has been suggested that De Bruyne is one of the players with whom Allegri has grown frustrated.