Napoli head coach Antonio Conte endured a night of bitter disappointment as his side fell to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Friday (September 19, 2025). For Conte, the match unraveled in a single moment — a red card that forced him to tear up his tactical blueprint and left Napoli fighting an uphill battle.
Yet, beyond the tactical setback, the night also carried a personal heartbreak. Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli’s midfield maestro, returned to his former home for an emotional comeback, only to see his night end prematurely in the most painful way possible.
A Red Card That Changed Everything
The drama unfolded just 21 minutes into the match. Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo lunged in with a late challenge on Erling Haaland. The referee wasted no time, brandishing a straight red card that stunned the Partenopei.
From that moment on, Conte’s carefully laid plans evaporated. With Napoli reduced to ten men, the Italian tactician was forced into damage-control mode, a monumental task against a relentless Manchester City side.
“We all go home tonight with a bitter taste in our mouths because this is deeply disappointing,” Conte admitted after the match. “We had prepared for this match exactly as we played in the opening 20 minutes, and that red card destroyed the rhythm of the game. Even against City with eleven men it’s tough, so you can imagine how it feels with one less.”
De Bruyne’s Cruel Fate
The dismissal forced Conte into making one of the harshest decisions of his coaching career. To restore balance at the back, he had no choice but to sacrifice a midfielder for defender Mathias Olivera. Tragically, the player withdrawn was none other than Kevin De Bruyne — the former City legend making his long-awaited return to the Etihad.
In just the 26th minute, De Bruyne walked off the pitch, his comeback cut short and his reunion with the City faithful reduced to heartbreak.
“Sometimes football can be cruel,” Conte reflected. “Last season we only picked up one red card across the entire Serie A campaign. Tonight, it happens after just 20 minutes. I feel sorry for Kevin because we lost his quality on the pitch, and more than that, he lost the chance to play in his old home, in front of fans who once adored him. But it was the only choice I could make.”
Conte Believed Napoli Could Hurt Manchester City
For Conte, the sense of frustration was amplified because Napoli had started brightly. The opening exchanges saw the Italian champions press aggressively, unsettling City’s rhythm and creating glimpses of attacking promise.
“I’m being completely honest — in the first 20 minutes, I felt we were causing City real problems with our pressing,” Conte said. “I had the feeling we could actually hurt them. That’s why I regret the red card so much. It took away the opportunity for both teams to test themselves properly, on equal footing.”
The coach insisted that the sending-off robbed fans of what could have been a thrilling, balanced contest between two of Europe’s elite.
Positives Amid the Pain
Despite the defeat, Conte refused to dwell solely on the negatives. Instead, he highlighted the resilience and commitment his players displayed under immense pressure.
“Matteo [Politano] is not naturally a wing-back, but tonight he sacrificed himself in that role. Every single player gave their all,” Conte praised. “Even though we were down a man, they showed fight, sacrifice, and a willingness to battle. That gives me pride.”
The Italian boss also noted that Napoli’s performance, albeit under extraordinary circumstances, showed progress in their European campaign.
“I leave this match with a positive sensation,” Conte concluded. “Yes, we are disappointed, but we also see our growth. This is the Champions League, and we must learn quickly. Tonight wasn’t the result we wanted, but I saw spirit, I saw progress, and that’s what I’ll take with me.”
For Napoli, the night will be remembered less for the scoreline and more for the cruel twists of fate — a red card that dismantled Conte’s tactics, and Kevin De Bruyne’s cut-short homecoming that ended before it even began.
Still, in Conte’s eyes, the foundation is there. If Napoli can channel the spirit shown at the Etihad and pair it with discipline in crucial moments, the Partenopei may yet prove to be a force to reckon with in the Champions League this season.
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