Kevin De Bruyne's move from Manchester City to Napoli has hit early turbulence, with manager Antonio Conte issuing a warning over the midfielder's conduct after he showed frustration at being substituted. The 34-year-old Belgian, who joined the Serie A champions this summer, ignored Conte when replaced by Eljif Elmas in the 72nd minute of Napoli's 2-1 loss to AC Milan last weekend.
Conte addressed the incident ahead of Napoli's Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon, stating he would not tolerate a repeat. 'Those who know me know very well what my point of view is on the management of certain behaviours,' Conte told Sky Italia. 'I accept a first mistake, but not a second.'
Former Napoli general manager Pierpaolo Marino argued that De Bruyne had become a problem for Conte, questioning the midfielder's form. 'Is De Bruyne there or is he a reminder of what he used to be? So far he hasn't had a say on a free kick or a penalty,' Marino told TeleVomero. 'Napoli have changed a midfield that worked very well for De Bruyne and at the moment it doesn't work.'
De Bruyne responded on the pitch, providing two assists for Rasmus Hojlund in Napoli's 2-1 win over Sporting. After the match, he dismissed any rift. 'There's never been any problem with Conte,' he told Sky Italia. 'I'm a winner, I want to make a difference on the pitch.' Conte also insisted the matter was resolved, saying, 'Good accounts make good friends, as we say in my country, this matter is closed.'
Despite the criticism, De Bruyne has scored three goals and provided two assists in seven appearances for Napoli.
