Allegri: De Bruyne is an exceptional player, substitutions made the difference

Massimiliano Allegri, Napoli's coach, expressed his satisfaction after the team's successful start in Serie A, following a 2-0 victory over Genoa in the opening round, emphasizing that the match was not easy for his team.

Allegri stated that Napoli faced some difficulties during the first half of the match, explaining that the team made technical errors in passing, before their performance improved over time and his side began to impose their control on the game.

The Italian coach praised Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne, who came on as a substitute in the second half, scoring the opening goal and assisting Antonio Vergara for the second. He stated: "De Bruyne is exceptional, and there are very few players like him."

Regarding the decision to bring on De Bruyne, Vergara, and Noni Madueke in the second half, the coach explained that the substitutions helped the team change the dynamics of the match and provided more attacking quality, which led Napoli to secure the victory in the final minutes.

The coach also spoke about the first goal that raised protests from Genoa players due to a foul by De Bruyne, saying: "I didn't see the push." He then confirmed that he doesn't like to comment on referees' decisions.