Napoli suffered their first defeat of the Serie A season on Sunday, losing 2-1 to AC Milan, in a match that highlighted both the brilliance and frustrations surrounding Antonio Conte’s side. Belgian maestro Kevin De Bruyne delivered a moment of quality for the Partenopei, scoring a second-half penalty to briefly level the game, but the former Manchester City star’s frustration became a talking point after he was substituted in the 73rd minute.
De Bruyne, who orchestrated Napoli’s midfield with precision and creativity, was visibly aggrieved as he walked straight to the bench without acknowledging Conte. The Italian coach, however, defended his decision, insisting it was tactical: “I tried to bring in fresh players for one-on-one situations because Milan were closing down a lot. You make substitutions to try and do something good. I think they were the right changes,” Conte explained. On De Bruyne’s reaction, he added, “I hope he was upset about the result because if he was upset about something else, he’s got the wrong person.”
A Penalty That Showed De Bruyne’s Composure
Napoli’s Belgian playmaker was instrumental throughout the match, constantly probing Milan’s defence and creating opportunities for his teammates. His most significant contribution came in the second half when he cleverly dribbled into the box and was tripped by a Milan defender. Demonstrating his calm under pressure, De Bruyne confidently converted the resulting penalty, temporarily giving Napoli hope of overturning the deficit.
Despite his influence, Conte opted to take him off around the 73rd minute in a bid to inject fresh legs into the side. The decision appeared to frustrate De Bruyne, who left the pitch briskly, clearly focused on the outcome of the game rather than the substitution itself.
Napoli’s Defensive Woes Continue
While De Bruyne provided a spark, Napoli’s defensive vulnerabilities were once again exposed. Conte lamented the absence of key defenders, with both Amir Rrahmani and Alessandro Buongiorno sidelined due to injury. Rrahmani is expected back in mid-October, while Buongiorno remains out for roughly a month. The result left Napoli relying on Juan Jesus and Sam Beukema as the only fully fit centre-backs, while other defenders such as Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Mathias Olivera were either suspended or fatigued.
Conte highlighted the defensive challenges, noting, “We’ve conceded a few more goals lately… defensiveness has always been our strength, we’ll have to be good at improving.” He praised the team’s overall quality and effort but acknowledged that the loss underscored a pressing need to tighten the backline, particularly against physically imposing sides like Milan.
Champions League Test
Napoli now turn their attention to a critical Champions League fixture against Sporting CP on October 1. With their defensive options limited and several key players still sidelined, Conte will need to rely on younger squad members to step up and deliver. The Italian coach remains confident in his team’s ability to compete, emphasizing that despite the setback, Napoli showed quality and resilience against a tough Milan side.
The clash against Sporting CP represents a chance for Napoli to rebound and regain momentum on the European stage, and Conte will be counting on leaders like De Bruyne to guide the team through this challenging period.
Tactical Choices Under Scrutiny
Conte’s decision to substitute De Bruyne sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. While bringing on fresh legs in the 73rd minute is a common tactical approach, the timing during a closely contested game raised eyebrows. De Bruyne’s reaction suggests the player’s passion and drive to influence the outcome, reflecting the high standards he holds for himself and the team.
Napoli’s first defeat is also a reminder that injuries and squad depth play a crucial role in Conte’s season strategy. Balancing tactical changes, managing player fatigue, and navigating an injury crisis will be key themes as Napoli aim to remain competitive in both Serie A and the Champions League.
Kevin De Bruyne’s penalty highlighted his enduring quality, yet Napoli’s vulnerabilities were exposed in a game that could have gone either way. Conte’s strategic choices, combined with an injury-hit squad, underline the challenges the team faces moving forward. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, including Sporting CP in the Champions League, Napoli must find a way to blend tactical innovation with squad management if they hope to maintain momentum in this demanding season.
