What happened during Napoli penalty chaos for Allegri, De Bruyne and Hojlund

There was chaos and controversy when Napoli were awarded a soft penalty against Frosinone, as Max Allegri was furious, so Kevin De Bruyne took over from Rasmus Hojlund.

The game was still 0-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this evening when the referee pointed to the spot for a soft Giorgio Cittadini challenge on Hojlund.

There was already tension from Frosinone over the award of the penalty, as the contact seemed to be relatively minimal.

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NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 10: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli is challenged by Giorgio Cittadini of Frosinone Calcio during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Frosinone Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The real fury was on the Partenopei bench when they saw that Hojlund was stepping up to take it.

“What, why?” asked Allegri to his staff, because De Bruyne was the nominated first choice for this situation.

His fears were confirmed when Hojlund saw his penalty parried by Lorenzo Palmisani, prompting an angry reaction on the touchline.

However, VAR came to the rescue when pointing out that Palmisani’s feet were off the line, so it had to be retaken.

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NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 10: Kevin De Bruyne of SSC Napoli scores a penalty for his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Frosinone Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Allegri took full advantage of the opportunity and ordered De Bruyne to take the ball instead this time.

It worked, as De Bruyne sent Palmisani the wrong way to convert successfully and give his team the lead.

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NAPLES, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 09: Massimiliano Allegri, Manager of SSC Napoli, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 09, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

All was forgiven moments later, as Hojlund first celebrated with De Bruyne, then went to the touchline to say something to his coach, who smiled in response.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the striker told Allegri that it was De Bruyne who had offered Hojlund the ball.

PENALTY MADNESS IN NAPOLI 😵‍💫Rasmus Højlund sees his penalty saved by Lorenzo Palmisani…However, the referee spots an infringement, and Napoli are awarded a retake!Kevin De Bruyne steps up and makes no mistake to give Napoli the lead 😅 https://t.co/jXJNu2gXFI

PENALTY MADNESS IN NAPOLI 😵‍💫Rasmus Højlund sees his penalty saved by Lorenzo Palmisani…However, the referee spots an infringement, and Napoli are awarded a retake!Kevin De Bruyne steps up and makes no mistake to give Napoli the lead 😅 https://t.co/jXJNu2gXFI