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Football Insider

Antonio Conte's Response to Kevin De Bruyne Substitution Drama

The recent showdown between Antonio Conte and Kevin De Bruyne has taken the football world by storm. After being subbed off in Napoli's defeat to AC Milan, De Bruyne's reaction raised eyebrows. Here's an in-depth look into the tensions and explanations behind the incident.

Antonio Conte's Response to Kevin De Bruyne Substitution Drama

Kevin De Bruyne scored a second-half penalty to get Napoli back in the game against AC Milan before being subbed off by Antonio Conte in their first Serie A defeat. The Belgian looked frustrated as he walked off and went straight to the bench without acknowledging Conte. The coach said the decision was to bring fresh legs, adding he hoped De Bruyne’s displeasure was with the result, not him.

1

The Background Story

In a highly anticipated Serie A clash between Napoli and AC Milan, Kevin De Bruyne's penalty goal injected hope into Napoli's chances of a comeback. However, Conte's decision to substitute De Bruyne in the latter stages of the game ignited a dramatic episode that has since captured widespread attention.

2

Conte's Defense of the Decision

Following the match, Antonio Conte defended his choice to replace De Bruyne by explaining that the move was tactical, aimed at bolstering the team's energy levels during a crucial phase of the game. He emphasized that the decision was not personal but fueled by the desire to secure a positive outcome for the team.

3

De Bruyne's Frustration

De Bruyne's visible frustration at being substituted was evident as he walked off the pitch without acknowledging Conte. While his actions fueled speculations about potential discord, Conte expressed his hope that De Bruyne's displeasure stemmed from the team's defeat rather than any personal rift.

4

Conte's Response

In a stern warning to De Bruyne and potential critics, Conte declared, 'he's got the wrong person,' signaling his unwavering resolve in making decisions for the team's benefit. Despite the drama, Conte's focus remains on steering Napoli towards their future challenges and objectives.

Published on September 29, 2025