Ahead of Napoli's crucial Champions League encounter with Manchester City, manager Antonio Conte has made a startling admission, revealing one of his biggest career regrets: failing to sign Kevin De Bruyne for Juventus.
The Italian boss, known for his fiery passion and tactical acumen, confessed that he was a huge admirer of the Belgian maestro during his early days at Chelsea and tried desperately to bring him to Turin. The move, however, never materialised, a decision that has clearly haunted Conte ever since.
'It was a painful miss,' Conte stated, reflecting on the transfer saga. 'I saw his incredible potential immediately—his vision, his technique, his engine. He was the complete midfielder even then. We worked very hard to get him to Juventus, but sometimes in football, these deals, for many reasons, do not happen.'
This revelation adds a deeply personal layer to the upcoming European clash. Conte, now tasked with masterminding a way to stop Pep Guardiola's reigning champions, must find a solution to nullify the very player he once coveted above all others.
De Bruyne has since evolved into one of world football's most dominant midfield forces, a key architect in Manchester City's historic treble-winning campaign last season. His performance will be pivotal as the English giants look to continue their defence of the Champions League title.
For Conte and Napoli, the match represents a monumental challenge. Facing the free-flowing attacking force of City is a daunting prospect for any team, made even more poignant by the Italian's 'one that got away' story.
All eyes will now be on the tactical battle between the two managers, with a particular focus on how Conte sets up his side to handle the enduring brilliance of Kevin De Bruyne—the man he wished was on his side.
