Antonio Conte Warns Napoli Fans: 'I Am Not Stupid'

Antonio Conte

Napoli coach Antonio Conte is determined to lead his team to victory, warning that his future at the club is uncertain without the necessary resources. Conte's comments have sparked a stir in the football world.

Antonio Conte's Napoli side kicked off their Serie A title defense with a convincing 2-0 victory over Sassuolo at Mapei Stadium. Despite Sassuolo's threats, Napoli's midfield duo of Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne controlled the tempo of the game, scoring crucial goals and dictating the pace throughout.

Conte expressed satisfaction with his team's spirit and performance but acknowledged that he's still searching for the perfect midfield balance. “I'm still trying to find the right formula,” Conte admitted, highlighting the ongoing challenge of fine-tuning his team's dynamics. With new players integrating into the squad, Conte emphasized the importance of finding cohesion and stability.

Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne were instrumental in Napoli's victory, showcasing their skills and chemistry in midfield. McTominay's goal-scoring ability and De Bruyne's creative playmaking were vital in Napoli's 2-0 win. Romelu Lukaku, another key signing, will be closely watched as the season progresses.

Antonio Conte is working to find the perfect blend of his midfielders, including Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay. “I am still trying to find the right formula to ensure the three midfielders from last season can co-exist harmoniously with Kevin,” Conte shared with DAZN. He believes De Bruyne and McTominay bring different strengths to the table, which could create an interesting dynamic.

The coach hasn't had much time to experiment with the new lineup, but he's optimistic about the possibilities. De Bruyne, known for his attacking prowess, might fit into Napoli's system as a trequartista, or playmaker, while McTominay could take on a deeper role, leveraging his physicality and box-to-box abilities.

Conte's comments suggest he's excited about the potential synergy between his midfielders. With De Bruyne's creativity and McTominay's industriousness, Napoli could become an even more formidable team. The key will be finding the right balance and formula to get the most out of his players.

 

The reigning champions get off to a winning start 💪#SassuoloNapoli pic.twitter.com/Tb87gB8Hx0

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) August 23, 2025

“Scott is a fighter who can ghost in from deep and become devastating, while he also has a good shot from distance. The opening goal was a situation we had tried in training,” Conte said.

“De Bruyne has different characteristics, he likes to move it around and rarely runs into the box. We try to ensure all the zones are covered.”

Antonio Conte's Napoli side is gearing up for a tough season, with the coach acknowledging the strength of their competitors. “It will be a very difficult and interesting campaign with seven or eight teams fighting for the Scudetto or Champions League qualification,” Conte said, highlighting the intense competition Napoli will face.

Conte emphasized that Napoli is still fine-tuning their squad, integrating new players and working to find the right balance. “We are trying to complete the structure of the squad, and it will require patience,” he added, showing awareness of the challenges ahead. With new signings like Kevin De Bruyne, Conte's focus is on creating a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.

Kevin De Bruyne marked his Serie A debut with a stunning free-kick, expertly curling the ball into the far post. “It was a nice moment, I just tried to put it in the right space,” De Bruyne said, describing the moment he scored his first goal for Napoli.

De Bruyne acknowledged that he's still getting used to the nuances of Italian football. “It's a different way of working and playing,” he noted, highlighting the tactical and cultural differences he's experiencing in his new league.

“I have to adjust a bit and can do better, but it’s a great group and they’ve helped me settle in easily.”