The Belgian midfielder was named man of the match after helping Massimiliano Allegri’s side return to winning ways in Serie A on Saturday. De Bruyne opened the scoring from the spot in the 29th minute before Noa Lang doubled Napoli’s advantage three minutes later. The former Manchester City star then completed the victory in stoppage time, converting a cross from Giovane.
Speaking after the game, De Bruyne said he intended to keep enjoying football and making the most of his career for as long as he remained a professional.
“As long as I continue playing, I will try to get as much out of it as possible, because I enjoy playing this sport,” he said.
Asked whether he was improving with age, the 35-year-old rejected the comparison with fine wine, admitting that he believed he had been a better player a decade ago.
“No, I don’t think so. I think I was better ten years ago,” he said. “But the lads are helping me, and that is the most important thing.”
De Bruyne also explained the thinking behind Napoli’s penalty, which initially appeared to offer Højlund the chance to score. The Danish striker had seen his first attempt saved by Frosinone goalkeeper Lorenzo Palmisani, but the penalty was ordered to be retaken because the goalkeeper had moved off his line. De Bruyne took the second attempt and scored.
“I had seen Højlund take lots of penalties and thought he could score, given his qualities,” De Bruyne explained. “For a striker, scoring goals is more important, which is why I had decided to give him the ball. Then the coach decided to change it, but there will be other opportunities for Højlund to score.”
Napoli’s performance also earned praise for Benoît Badiashile, who completed 90 minutes on his first start at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The defender said he was delighted to play the full match and contribute to a clean sheet.
“I am very happy to have played 90 minutes and to have won the game,” Badiashile said, adding that the team were developing greater understanding and confidence. He also stressed that Napoli’s target was to win every match despite a demanding schedule.
Former Napoli striker Roberto Sosa praised De Bruyne in the aftermath, stating: "First half was good, I had already liked the line-up. What a great player De Bruyne is! Players like him get more comfortable the more they play.
“Age is relative in football today. He has played at the highest level and knows how to recover.”
Napoli’s emphatic victory provided an encouraging response after the international break, with De Bruyne’s double underlining his continuing importance to Allegri’s side.