Kevin De Bruyne’s switch from Manchester City to Napoli has been anything but smooth. After departing the Premier League champions this summer as a club legend, the 34-year-old has found life in Serie A under Antonio Conte unexpectedly challenging.
Many expected the Belgian star to blend effortlessly into the reigning champions’ system, but his adaptation has been rocky. He was substituted early in several fixtures, including during his emotional return to the Etihad Stadium — a match where Napoli were reduced to ten men in the first half.
The situation escalated during Napoli’s 2-1 loss to AC Milan, when De Bruyne showed visible frustration after being taken off in the 72nd minute for Eljif Elmas and appeared to snub Conte. In his post-match remarks, the coach remarked that he hoped the midfielder’s anger was directed at the result, “because otherwise he’s got the wrong guy.”
Conte issues warning amid growing tension
The episode became the central talking point in the build-up to Napoli’s Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon. Conte, speaking to Sky Italia before the match, made it clear he would not accept repeated acts of defiance. He stated that while he could overlook one misstep, a second would not be tolerated.
His remarks intensified speculation that De Bruyne’s arrival had unsettled the team dynamics that powered Napoli’s previous title run. Former general manager Pierpaolo Marino went further, suggesting that the Belgian had already turned into a “problem” for Conte.
Marino questioned De Bruyne’s influence so far, noting his lack of involvement in set pieces and contrasting his performance unfavorably with Luka Modric’s display against Milan. He argued that reshaping a well-functioning midfield for De Bruyne had disrupted Napoli’s rhythm without delivering the expected benefits.
Strong response on the European stage
Under intense scrutiny, De Bruyne produced the perfect answer in Napoli’s midweek fixture against Sporting Lisbon. The experienced playmaker set up both goals for Rasmus Hojlund, on loan from Manchester United, as the Italian side emerged 2-1 winners.
After the match, De Bruyne dismissed any notion of an ongoing rift with Conte, telling Sky Italia: “There’s never been any problem with Conte.”
