The Premier League champions see once more a former star who might reappear to trouble them as they kick off their UCL campaign in midweek.
The Belgian playmaker secured 16 trophies in a decade at City; arrangements exist to commemorate him with a sculpture outside Etihad Stadium.
De Bruyne ended his tenure when his contract expired in June and, having made it clear it was against his wishes to leave, is now plotting their undoing with Napoli.
His switch to Serie A has been praised and equated with that of iconic Argentine Diego Maradona, who is still revered by the Napoli’s supporters.
"Since Maradona, Napoli have not signed a player as renowned as De Bruyne," stated a local journalist. "He arrived at the peak of his career, but signs at 34."
"Obviously what Maradona represented for the club back then, De Bruyne is the version today for the leadership," he added.
"I can imagine after all those successful years in Manchester, he aims to give a great impression and be a success. He has declared he aims to claim Serie A and intends to show good things in the Champions League also."
Team leader Giovanni di Lorenzo noted De Bruyne arrived at the club with "modesty" and referred to him as a "great champion".
The defender stated: "He seldom mentioned his ex-team-mates, but I am certain he will be excited to return in this stadium where he experienced many memorable performances."
"He will be greeted positively. Fans will be pleased to welcome him and he is worthy of it."
A key element of Antonio Conte’s new system
Ex-Chelsea and North London boss Antonio Conte masterminded Napoli's league title success recently and they have begun this campaign in notable fashion, leading of the table anew with a perfect start after three games.
The departed Maradona inspired their championship wins in 1987 and 1990 – they brought to a close a lengthy period without a first division trophy again in 2023, but lost their way the following year by placing in 10th place.
The manager assumed control and utilized a setup he was accustomed to – a strong defense with three at the back, and a team that was powerful with Lukaku up front.
They narrowly claimed the title last season ahead of Inter Milan by a one-point margin, allowing only a low number of goals from their fixtures and with Lukaku leading the club's attacking records with a respectable haul.
After taking the team to a tough training camp at high altitude, Conte is now aiming to transition into a more ball-dominant system and his fitness issue has hastened the process with the arrival of Hojlund from Manchester United on loan with an agreement to secure permanently next summer.
"He represents the fundamental point of Conte's 2.0 project," added the journalist. "He has a player that is in the paradise of football players."
"In the last few years, Napoli have not had a player of the stature of De Bruyne. They have had good young players who were trying to reach the top echelons of football such as Victor Osimhen, Edinson Cavani and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia."
"He remains the one that is highly regarded when joining Naples and is skill-wise on another level relative to the rest of the squad. He is the sole individual capable of playing the ball 60 metres with pinpoint delivery. He is an key tool of Conte because he adds something different."
It was reported regret from De Bruyne that City failed to propose him a renewal before his departure.
After an emotional send-off from the club which brought boss Pep Guardiola to become emotional, the midfielder will be given a hero's welcome during the match as he comes back to a place he calls "home".
He seems to have adapted smoothly at his present team, netting two goals in his first few appearances, and the City players will be aware of from experience the caliber he brings.
Pep stated it will be "pleasant to have him back" and players at that standard "don't need duration to settle".
"I’ve talked to Kevin and have inquired him a several matters," noted Conte. "He has been part of Manchester City for 10 years and has had a great coach like Pep Guardiola."
"He will be excited to be playing but I am expecting when play starts he will find his feet and keep in mind that he is on the books of Napoli and play in the manner he has shown so far."
Previous Red Devils men to aim for payback?
Forward from Denmark Hojlund was unceremoniously shown the door by the Old Trafford club and each player and Scott McTominay were probably relieved they departed after witnessing their former club defeated soundly by City in Sunday's comprehensive Premier League win.
The Dane, young, is striving to put his challenging period at Manchester behind him and started his Napoli spell in a dream fashion, netting on his debut in a 3-1 win at Fiorentina recently.
Engine McTominay trod the same path last summer by escaping the turmoil of United in transferring to Naples and the Scott quickly turned into a iconic figure, scoring a dozen strikes to motivate their championship win.
So significant was his contribution, the Scotland international has a mural like Maradona in the city and has been shortlisted to win the esteemed Ballon d'Or award for the best player in the world – something which would have been unlikely while at United.
Conte said he recognized "huge talent" in McTominay and {could
