Softfootball understands that Antonio Conte’s Napoli didn’t simply win silverware in Riyadh; they despatched a message. A 2–0 victory over Bologna secured the 2025–26 Supercoppa Italiana, due to a brace from David Neres, nevertheless it was Conte’s post-match feedback that actually grabbed consideration and travelled far past Saudi Arabia.
Talking after the ultimate whistle, as reported by Fabrizio Romano by way of his official X account, the Napoli boss turned the highlight onto two of his key gamers, Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund, each beforehand sidelined at Manchester United.
He stated:
Antonio Conte: Now all individuals hold speaking about Højlund and McTominay. keep in mind they weren’t enjoying at Manchester United.Ask yourselves some questions. me and my employees will need to have carried out one thing proper. There needs to be a motive.
Conte wasn’t simply praising his squad; he was making a wider level about teaching and improvement. McTominay, signed in 2024 for €30.5 million, has fully remodeled in Naples.
He was named Serie A MVP final season and likewise completed 18th within the 2025 Ballon d’Or rating, his affect rising week by week, and his market worth has reportedly climbed to round €50 million. At United, he was usually seen as a squad choice. Underneath Conte, he’s grow to be central.
Højlund’s revival has been simply as hanging. On mortgage for €6 million with a €44 million obligation to purchase, the Danish striker has already scored 10 objectives this season, together with a purpose within the 2-0 win towards AC Milan within the semi-final.
His confidence seems to be completely different now, sharper, extra pure. Conte said that he believes their job is to develop a participant’s information and make him stronger, including that he invests lots in that.
The distinction with Manchester United hasn’t gone unnoticed. Underneath Ruben Amorim, United reshaped their assault with Benjamin Šeško, who has simply two objectives in 14 appearances thus far. In the meantime, Napoli’s so-called outcasts are thriving.
Regardless of the triumph, Conte stayed measured. He admitted Napoli usually are not able to dominate and pressured humility and laborious work. Nonetheless, the message was clear sufficient. Underneath Conte, gamers don’t simply get better type. They get rebuilt.
