Napoli, Conte rallies the squad, Oriali mediates in the de Bruyne case | OneFootball

After the tension at San Siro, internal clarification at Napoli. Conte to the team: “React immediately.” Oriali to the Belgian: “Nervousness will no longer be tolerated.”

Napoli, Conte calls the group together. Oriali acts as intermediary in the “De Bruyne case”

The defeat in Milan against AC Milan was not the only topic of discussion at Napoli. What sparked the most debate was above all Kevin De Bruyne’s irritated reaction at the moment of his substitution. An episode that risked damaging the relationship between the Belgian star and coach Antonio Conte.

In recent hours, however, the situation seems to have calmed down. The coach immediately called a meeting with the entire team, choosing the path of collective confrontation rather than individual reproach.

Conte wanted to send a clear message: Napoli must react immediately and do so as a group, with no room for individualism. “No personal speeches,” explained the coach, “but a warning to always prioritize team logic.”

Oriali as mediator: “Nervousness is understandable, but that’s enough”

Alongside Conte was Gabriele Oriali, the coach’s longtime collaborator and a key link between staff and players. The director had a direct conversation with De Bruyne, reiterating the concepts already expressed by the coach.

“Nervousness is understandable,” Oriali told the Belgian, “but it cannot happen again. The coach’s decisions must be accepted, especially at such a delicate moment.”

De Bruyne, who had already not taken well to being substituted against Manchester City, did not react well to the new change at San Siro, which came after he had scored the penalty that reignited hope. However, the technical staff understood his frustration and consider the matter closed.

De Bruyne expected to be a key player against Sporting

The Belgian midfielder will regularly be on the pitch against Sporting Lisbon on the second day of the Champions League. The goal is to definitively put the incident behind and focus on a match that is already crucial for Napoli’s European campaign.

Conte reiterated his position in a press conference as well: “It’s not a matter of individual players. Those who know me are aware of my views on certain behaviors. It’s up to me to restore the situation and reiterate a few concepts: once you can allow it, the second time you cannot.”

Napoli, now unity is needed

The group’s response will be decisive. Conte drew on his years of experience to remind everyone that individual reactions must not take precedence over the collective goal. The message was received: against Sporting, discipline, unity, and cohesion will be needed.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.