Tag: Antonio Conte

Napoli Survive Genoa Thriller as Hojlund Seals Late Win and Conte Flags McTominay Issue

Scott McTominay
January 2026

Napoli came from behind to beat Genoa 3-2 with a stoppage-time penalty, with Højlund scoring twice and McTominay also on target, but Conte confirmed his midfielder is playing through an ongoing tendon problem that forced him off at halftime. Napoli trailed to a Ruslan Malinovskyi penalty, then struck back through Højlund and McTominay. McTominay was replaced at the break, Napoli later went down to 10 after Juan Jesus’ red card, conceded an equaliser, then won it via VAR-awarded penalty converted by Højlund.

Conte Blasts Amorim Over Hojlund Handling as Napoli Form Surges

Antonio Conte
January 2026

Conte criticised Amorim’s approach at United, saying it failed Hojlund, who has improved at Napoli and has nine goals across competitions since joining on loan with an obligation to buy. Hojlund was deemed surplus at United after an inconsistent scoring season and moved to Napoli, where Conte’s structure and coaching have improved his positioning and confidence, translating into goals in Serie A, Europe and domestic cups.

Conte Praises Hojlund’s Development at Napoli, Implicit Critique of United Handling

Antonio Conte
January 2026

Conte says Hojlund has improved significantly and stresses the importance of coaching details like positioning and team play, framed as a contrast to how he was used previously. Hojlund’s output has improved on loan at Napoli, and Conte’s comments position Napoli’s coaching structure as central to the turnaround while referencing United’s prior decisions in the striker pecking order.

Amorim Challenges Sesko Finishing After Leeds Draw as Hojlund Comparison Surfaces

Benjamin Sesko
January 2026

Ruben Amorim told Benjamin Sesko to be more clinical after United’s 1-1 draw at Leeds, describing him as a completely different striker to Rasmus Hojlund. Sesko has only two league goals and missed big chances as United dropped points in the top-four chase. Amorim said Sesko is doing many things right by getting into chances and linking play, but must improve in the final moments. He also highlighted broader attacking contributions and credited Matheus Cunha’s equaliser as part of a collective effort.

Napoli Director Says Hojlund Permanent Move “A Formality” After Strong Loan Spell

Rasmus Hojlund
January 2026

Napoli believe Rasmus Hojlund will not return to Manchester United after his loan, with director Giovanni Manna calling a permanent transfer “a formality” as things stand. Hojlund has hit form in Serie A and is scoring regularly. Napoli signed him after Lukaku’s injury and included a reported £38 million buy option, with an obligation if they qualify for the Champions League. Manna said Hojlund has embraced the coach’s demands, views himself as a Napoli player, and the club expects the deal to be completed.

Hojlund’s Napoli Surge Continues as Conte Explains His Fit

Rasmus Hojlund
December 2025

Rasmus Hojlund scored twice in Napoli’s 2-0 Serie A away win at Cremonese, continuing a strong run since joining on a season-long loan from Manchester United. Conte said the striker is thriving because he is learning the role and applying it more consistently within the team’s structure. Napoli adjusted tactically due to injuries and absences but still created chances through a system that suited Hojlund’s movement and physical presence. His brace followed the Supercoppa win and helped Napoli keep momentum after a recent league wobble, as Conte stressed they are still chasing the top standard.

Scott McTominay crowned Serie A’s top player after leaving Man Utd

Scott McTominay
December 2025

Scott McTominay has capped a transformational move from Manchester United to Napoli by winning the 2025 Serie A Player of the Year award, scoring 13 league goals in his debut season and spearheading a title triumph while cementing himself as a driving force in midfield. Defender Sam Beukema calls him the strongest player in Serie A, while Antonio Conte says he always saw huge potential, praising McTominay’s decision to leave Old Trafford for Italy and portraying him as proof that a fresh environment can unlock a different level.

Kane hails Kompany’s no nonsense regime for best form of his career

Vincent Kompany (Bayern Munich)
November 2025

Harry Kane says he is enjoying his football more than ever at Bayern, crediting Kompany’s direct management and system after delivering a 36 goal debut Bundesliga season, winning the European Golden Shoe, breaking league records, then finally lifting a long awaited Bundesliga title and best player award. Kane praised Kompany for “no BS” communication and a man for man style that forces him to press, tackle and block as well as score, contrasting it with the gruelling Conte era at Tottenham. He believes his all round influence on matches, with and without the ball, is at an all time high.

Napoli target Quinten Timber as Conte reacts to De Bruyne and Anguissa injury crisis

Quinten Timber (Feyenoord)
November 2025

apoli have moved for Quinten Timber (Feyenoord) as midfield injuries to Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli) and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli) force Antonio Conte to seek a powerful, all action presence who can restore balance and intensity in a system built on winning duels and playing vertically. Timber’s mix of physicality, pressing, progressive passing and goal threat impressed during Feyenoord’s title campaigns, while his contract to 2026 gives clubs leverage as Feyenoord try to avoid losing their captain for nothing, with Arsenal and brother Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) adding extra competition for his signature.

McTominay urges Napoli to move for Kobbie Mainoo in January

Scott McTominay (Napoli)
November 2025

McTominay, thriving in Serie A under Antonio Conte, publicly backed a loan swoop for Mainoo amid limited minutes at United. The 20-year-old has just 138 league minutes and one start this season, raising World Cup 2026 selection concerns. Positioning the move as mutually beneficial, McTominay highlighted Conte’s track record with midfielders and Napoli’s title push. With Lukaku sidelined and Højlund impressing on loan, Napoli are open to opportunistic January additions; guaranteed minutes could accelerate Mainoo’s development.

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