Can Napoli Coach Antonio Conte Field Kevin De Bruyne & Scott McTominay Together in Midfield? Fabio Capello's Insight
Fabio Capello sheds light on the potential challenges faced by Napoli coach Antonio Conte in deploying both Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay in the midfield, emphasizing the need to balance their different skill sets to avoid squad imbalance.

Former AC Milan and Juventus coach Fabio Capello believes that while Napoli midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay are both top players with excellent qualities, their skill sets differ and could potentially overlap, leading to an imbalance in the squad. The Serie A champions sit joint-top of the table and picked up a first Champions League win of the season last week, but some doubts over the gelling of the squad remain.
Analyzing Kevin De Bruyne & Scott McTominay's Compatibility
Former AC Milan and Juventus manager Fabio Capello pointed out that while Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay are individually exceptional players, their playing styles and strengths may overlap in certain areas on the field. De Bruyne is known for his playmaking abilities, vision, and passing range, while McTominay excels in providing defensive stability, physical presence, and box-to-box capabilities.
The Challenge of Balancing Skill Sets
Capello expressed concerns that fielding both De Bruyne and McTominay together could potentially create an imbalance in the midfield, as their roles might clash or duplicate at times. He highlighted the importance of tactical adjustments and player positioning to optimize their performance on the pitch while maintaining the team's overall equilibrium.
Napoli's Continued Success Despite Challenges
Despite the potential midfield puzzle, Napoli has been performing well in Serie A and Europe, currently sharing the top spot in the league table and securing a crucial Champions League victory recently. However, Conte will need to carefully navigate the integration of De Bruyne and McTominay to ensure a harmonious and effective midfield setup.
Fabio Capello's Words of Caution for Napoli
Capello also warned Napoli to be wary of Como's 'big team mentality', emphasizing the danger posed by teams that exhibit strong cohesion and fighting spirit, regardless of their stature in the league. He advised Napoli to approach every match with focus and determination, recognizing the potential threats posed by resilient opponents.

