Softfootball understands that Antonio Conte’s Napoli didn’t just win silverware in Riyadh; they sent a message. A 2–0 victory over Bologna secured the 2025–26 Supercoppa Italiana, thanks to a brace from David Neres, but it was Conte’s post-match comments that really grabbed attention and travelled far beyond Saudi Arabia.
Speaking after the final whistle, as reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, the Napoli boss turned the spotlight onto two of his key players, Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund, both previously sidelined at Manchester United.
He said:
Antonio Conte: Now all people keep talking about Højlund and McTominay. remember they were not playing at Manchester United.Ask yourselves some questions. me and my staff must have done something right. There has to be a reason.
Conte wasn’t just praising his squad; he was making a wider point about coaching and development. McTominay, signed in 2024 for €30.5 million, has completely transformed in Naples.
He was named Serie A MVP last season and also finished 18th in the 2025 Ballon d’Or ranking, his influence growing week by week, and his market value has reportedly climbed to around €50 million. At United, he was often seen as a squad option. Under Conte, he’s become central.
Højlund’s revival has been just as striking. On loan for €6 million with a €44 million obligation to buy, the Danish striker has already scored 10 goals this season, including a goal in the 2-0 win against AC Milan in the semi-final.
His confidence looks different now, sharper, more natural. Conte stated that he believes their job is to expand a player’s knowledge and make him stronger, adding that he invests a lot in that.
The contrast with Manchester United hasn’t gone unnoticed. Under Ruben Amorim, United reshaped their attack with Benjamin Šeško, who has just two goals in 14 appearances so far. Meanwhile, Napoli’s so-called outcasts are thriving.
Despite the triumph, Conte stayed measured. He admitted Napoli are not ready to dominate and stressed humility and hard work. Still, the message was clear enough. Under Conte, players don’t just recover form. They get rebuilt.
