De Bruyne responds to substitution controversy with 2 assists in Napoli's Champions League win

De Bruyne responds to substitution controversy with 2 assists in Napoli's Champions League win

NLES, Italy — Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne responded to some controversy over his reaction to a weekend substitution with two assists in a 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Wednesday.

De Bruyne responds to substitution controversy with 2 assists in Napoli's Champions League win

De Bruyne didn’t hide his dismay when he was taken off during a loss at AC Milan on Sunday, which prompted coach Antonio Conte to warn, “I hope he was irritated at the result. Because if he was irritated about something else, he’s dealing with the wrong person.”

But Conte said on Tuesday that he and De Bruyne had cleared things up and the former Manchester City standout certainly looked like he had his head clear against Sporting.

De Bruyne’s perfectly placed through ball set up Rasmus Hojlund’s opener for Napoli and then he also provided the cross for Hojlund’s header that restored Napoli’s advantage in the second half.

“Kevin is a legend of the sport,” Hojlund said. “For me, it's just every time he has the ball, go find some space. I'm so grateful to play with a player like this."