Antonio Conte knows the odds. Napoli may be Italy’s champions, but against Manchester City, he calls his side the “students” facing the “teachers.” To prepare, he has turned to a man who knows both classrooms: Kevin De Bruyne.
De Bruyne spent ten years at City, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League under Pep Guardiola. Now, he returns in Napoli blue, tasked with guiding Conte’s new-look side through their toughest test. The Belgian has already scored twice in Serie A, settling quickly into life in Naples.
Conte admitted he leaned on his new signing for inside knowledge. “I’ve spoken to Kevin. He’s been a part of this club for 10 years and had a great coach like Pep Guardiola,” he said. “I’m hoping that after the starting whistle he will remember he’s playing for our great Napoli.”
Napoli arrive with momentum, having lifted their second Scudetto in three years. Yet Conte refuses to downplay the challenge. “We consider ourselves almost like students,” he explained. “We arrive with humility, but also the desire to test ourselves against powerful clubs.”
De Bruyne is not the only player with history in Manchester. Scott McTominay, once of United, has flourished since joining Napoli and was central to last year’s title win. Conte admitted his surprise at the transfer, saying he “couldn’t believe it” when the deal went through.
Rasmus Højlund, on loan from United, has also made an instant impact, scoring on debut against Fiorentina. Conte sees untapped potential. “Now it’s up to me to improve him and help him grow into a top striker,” he said.
The Etihad will welcome De Bruyne as a legend, but for McTominay and Højlund, the reception could be far more hostile. For Conte, though, the night is less about reunions and more about progress. His students will be judged against the very best.
