Massimiliano Allegri hailed "extraordinary guy" Kevin De Bruyne as "he does things that are completely different to the usual players."

De Bruyne starred for Napoli in their Serie A opener as he came off the bench to inspire a 2-0 victory over Daniele De Rossi's Genoa.

The Belgium international broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute before assisting Antonio Vergara as Napoli won their first match under Allegri.

De Bruyne has scored in the opening league game of a season in one of the top five European leagues for the third time in his career, following last season – also with Napoli – and the 2020-21 season with Manchester City.

Allegri was full of praise for the playmaker, who showed great strength to score the opening goal.

"I'm happy because Kevin De Bruyne is an extraordinary guy; he does things that are completely different to the usual players," Allegri told Sky Italia.

"The determination he showed scoring that goal, he sees things that other players cannot see. There are few like him around."

Napoli are the team that have won their opening match of the Serie A season more often than any other side over the last 10 editions (W9 L1).

Napoli have also kept a clean sheet in at least three consecutive Serie A matches for the first time since May-August 2025 (four matches on that occasion).

"The team is working well, but when players are very strong and physical, it takes them longer to get into good shape," added Allegri.

"We need everyone when playing in the Champions League, and substitutions are decisive at this level, both when we're winning or losing games.

"The first match is always lacking the sharpness we'll see in six weeks or so, and it is therefore important to be organised.

"We need to stop the passes coming through in defence, but at this stage of the season, it's about making as few mistakes as possible."