Manchester City v Napoli: Line-ups revealed as De Bruyne makes Etihad return

Manchester City host Napoli in a blockbuster Champions League clash tonight, and the match marks an emotional return to England for Kevin De Bruyne.

The midfielder left City in the summer to join Antonio Conte’s Serie A champions but is already back as both look to get their league phase campaign underway with a win.

Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay are also back in Manchester, albeit facing their old foes rather than team-mates.

And both have also had positive starts to the 2025-26 season, however this may be their biggest test yet.

Read on to see how both sides line-up for the clash at the Etihad.

Manchester City line-up

It is not very surprising these days to see Pep Guardiola throw a few surprise players in his starting XI, and he has done exactly that for tonight’s clash.

Gianluigi Donnarumma makes his European debut for the club, and is protected by a back four of Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly.

Ahead of them comes the midfield anchor of Rodri, who is partnered by summer signing Tijjani Reijnders.

Then comes a three that features Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku.

As usual, Erling Haaland leads the line.

Napoli line-up

Antonio Conte has not adopted his famous defensive formation, but there is still plenty of physical talent in the side.

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic get the nods in goal, and he marshals a back line of Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Sam Beukema, Alessandro Buongiorno and Leonardo Spinazzola.

Stanislav Lobotka is deployed in midfield alongside Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Matteo Politano occupies one flank, with ex-Manchester United man Scott McTominay featuring as well.

Kevin De Bruyne gets the chance to down his old team, and Rasmus Hojlund is handed a massive opportunity on the European stage.