Kevin De Bruyne speaks to Antonio Conte over Manchester City ahead of Napoli clash | OneFootball

Napoli boss Antonio Conte has revealed personal talks with Kevin De Bruyne ahead of the Italian giants’ visit to Manchester City on Thursday night.

The Belgian midfielder left the Etihad Stadium in the summer after nearly a decade of success, completing a shock free transfer to Napoli following the expiry of his Manchester City contract.

His immediate return to Manchester this week has dominated the build-up to the opening UEFA Champions League league phase fixture for both sides, with many wondering how Pep Guardiola’s side will react to lining up against their former talisman.

Conte, who has faced Manchester City several times during his Premier League career, admitted in his pre-match briefing that his side’s preparation for the clash has been just as detailed as ever, but that De Bruyne’s inside knowledge of Guardiola’s squad and tactical principles naturally provides Napoli with an extra layer of insight.

The Italian coach also made it clear that the Belgian’s commitment to Napoli comes first, regardless of his long-standing Etihad Stadium legacy.

This week has already seen City players – such as Jeremy Doku – warn that no “mercy” will be shown when facing their former teammate, emphasising that the English giants are determined to bounce back from recent inconsistencies.

Speaking as part of his pre-match press conference ahead of Napoli’s clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday night, Antonio Conte revealed he has ‘asked’ Kevin De Bruyne ‘a few things’ – presumably concerning the Belgian’s former club.

“To be honest it’s always been very careful preparation like it has been for every single match. We’re not doing anything particularly different,” Conte explained.

“I’ve spoken to Kevin [De Bruyne], I’ve asked him a few things, he’s been a part of this club for 10 years and had a great coach like Pep Guardiola,” said Conte.

“Kevin will be excited to be playing but I’m hoping that after the starting whistle he will find his feet and remember that he’s playing for our great Napoli and contribute like he has been doing.”

Napoli captain, Giovanni Di Lorenzo continued in his own media duties on De Bruyne, “Since the first day he got to us he arrived with great humility, he’s a great champion.

“He didn’t really talk about his ex-teammates but I’m sure he will be happy to play tomorrow, to come back in this stadium where he has enjoyed many matches.

“I know that they will welcome him back and be pleased to see him. He deserves it and I hope he will have a great match.”

De Bruyne’s return inevitably raises questions about how Manchester City will handle their former midfield orchestrator, with Pep Guardiola likely to deploy specific plans to limit his influence.

For Napoli, the Belgian’s presence could be decisive in a group-stage clash that already feels like a knockout-level contest. Looking ahead, the reception at the Etihad Stadium will be a story in itself.

Having been central to Manchester City’s greatest-ever era, the midfielder is expected to be warmly welcomed back by the home crowd, even if Guardiola’s players must ensure sentiment does not distract from the task at hand.