Conte: ‘Napoli need patience with De Bruyne and new players’

SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Antonio Conte warns Napoli ‘need patience’ to get the best out of their new signings and make the old midfield ‘co-exist’ with Kevin De Bruyne and ‘devastating’ Scott McTominay.

This was the first competitive match of the campaign for the reigning Champions of Italy, and Conte was not too afraid to ring the changes at the Mapei Stadium.

New signings De Bruyne and Lorenzo Lucca were in the starting XI, although the latter was due to Romelu Lukaku’s serious thigh injury.

They made short work of Sassuolo, winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Scott McTominay and De Bruyne.

Conte sees positive start for Napoli

“There is always room for improvement,” Conte told DAZN Italia.

“We had the right approach from the start this evening and I am still basing my choices on the certainties we had from last season, then will try to introduce the new players gradually.

“I am still trying to find the right formula to ensure the three midfielders from last season can co-exist harmoniously with Kevin. We haven’t had long to work on it, but I am seeing some interesting things.

“We could speed things up a bit more and be more vertical in our build-up play, as at times we interrupted situations that could’ve developed better. I saw the right spirit, though.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Sassuolo 0-2 Napoli

McTominay’s tactical versatility and danger in the box was evident in his debut Serie A season, and the former Manchester United man picked up where he left off.

“We are talking about making the most of the characteristics of the players,” explained Conte.

“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, Politano and also the movement of Lucca were crucial to create the space.

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

Speaking before kick-off, Napoli director Lele Oriali said that Inter are the favourites to win the Scudetto, which is exactly what he said at this time last season too.

“It will be a very difficult and interesting campaign with seven or eight teams fighting for the Scudetto or Coppa Campioni qualification,” replied Conte.

“We are trying to complete the structure of the squad. Last year, we weren’t in Europe, and now we are trying to introduce new players, which is not easy. It will require patience and then try to get the maximum result.

“It’s going to be tough, lots of talented coaches also returned in some well-built teams.”