Napoli coach Antonio Conte admitted he is still trying to find the right tactical measures to bring the best out of midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay. In the 2-1 win over Sporting CP, Conte tested a three man midfield in the second half following the substitution of McTominay, and he believes the system can offer him multiple solutions.
Napoli’s victory over Sporting
Rasmus Hojlund struck twice for Napoli in their clash against Sporting, with both goals coming from De Bruyne assists. The opener came when De Bruyne split Sporting’s defence with a perfectly weighted through ball, sending Hojlund charging forward on the counter to finish. Sporting later equalised from the penalty spot, but Napoli regained the lead as Hojlund rose highest to head in a De Bruyne cross. Meanwhile, last season’s Serie A Player of the Year, McTominay, endured another quiet outing. Substituted in the 69th minute after failing to influence the game, his slow start to the 2025/26 campaign continued.
AdvertisementAFPConte's tactical alternatives
In his post-match interview, Conte reflected on his default setup of 4-1-4-1 and what it offers the team. "With four midfielders, we have more play, even if we can be less incisive. We have some room to explore with four midfielders behind the striker."
He went on to explain the tactical switch he employed in the second half and the flexibility it provides: "In the second half, we also switched to a 4-3-3. Then there's the alternative of a 4-3-3 with Lobotka, Anguissa, and McTominay [to bring more physicality] or we can increase the quality and move De Bruyne back. We're trying to implement a few things. With a 4-3-3, on the other hand, we move the full-backs into different positions; it's a year's work behind it."
Conte’s praise for De Bruyne
Tensions ran high in the Napoli dressing room after Conte substituted a visibly frustrated De Bruyne during the 2-1 loss to Milan. The situation was later resolved between the two inside the dressing room. Conte praised the Belgian’s illustrious career and professionalism, stating: "Compared to the other new arrivals, he comes from a solid background, he's played for many years at the highest level, with the right determination we can raise the bar. I can't say anything about him."
He later defended his decision to withdraw De Bruyne, emphasising that his choices are always made with victory in mind: "I understand that anyone wants to play, but there are substitutions and they have to be accepted. Criticism is part of the game. If you make changes and win, everything is fine; if you make changes and lose, all hell breaks loose. I'm the first one who wants to win, my decisions are geared towards that."
AFPNapoli's challenge against Genoa
Napoli will host Patrick Vieira's Genoa on Sunday, with Conte hoping to bring out the best in Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne.
