Conte’s Sharp Notice: De Bruyne’s Substitution Sparks Tense Napoli-Milan Aftermath
29 septembre 2025
Controversy After the San Siro Showdown
Napoli's 2-1 defeat to Milan in Serie A dominated headlines not just for the score, but for the heated moment that followed the substitution of star Kevin De Bruyne.
The San Siro clash saw Napoli concede two goals in the first half, before De Bruyne pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 60th minute.
Nevertheless, coach Antonio Conte chose to substitute the Belgian in the 72nd minute, a decision that visibly angered De Bruyne.
In the post-match press conference Conte fired back: I hope his anger is about the result; if it is for other reasons, he has chosen the wrong person to be angry at.
Conte, known for his strict style, added that De Bruyne must avoid clashing with him, insisting the substitution was for the good of the team.
Since joining Napoli this summer from Manchester City, the 34-year-old has been delivering leadership and quality, scoring 3 goals in 6 official appearances.
The penalty he converted offered Napoli a glimmer of hope, and his frustration was arguably understandable given the context.
Impact of the defeat
The loss ended Napoli's perfect start to the league, while Milan seized top spot. With Roma drawing, three teams sit level on 12 points after seven rounds. Napoli now faces mounting pressure to regain balance.
Since his arrival, De Bruyne has drawn attention for his vision and passing, quickly becoming a key pillar in Conte's plans. The question remains whether the pair can work through their differences to drive the team forward.
Upcoming tests and league context
Napoli now heads into a tough Champions League tie against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, a real test of their recovery. They then host Genoa on Sunday, a chance to rebuild confidence at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Conte's reliance on De Bruyne as a midfield leader is clear, but only time will tell if they can translate it into consistent results.
The league remains highly competitive, with Milan, Napoli, and Roma sharing the top on 12 points. Juventus and Inter are not far behind, meaning any slip could cost a place in the title race. Napoli's focus now is squad harmony and leveraging De Bruyne's class to spark late charges.
Punchline 1: If Conte's tactics were as sharp as his tongue, Napoli would be undefeated—until someone asks if there is a defender who can read a calendar.
Punchline 2: De Bruyne may be a world-class playmaker, but even he cannot sign a peace treaty with a coach who treats the clock like a weapon.
