Scott McTominay penalised by Napoli as stroppy Kevin De Bruyne sent chilling warning from Conte

The Belgian football icon is yet to fully flourish in Naples and his no-nonsense boss warned him off any further petulance

A former Napoli star reckons Scott McTominay will have his goal contributions slashed this season as the Serie A champions aim to accommodate Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian football icon is yet to fully flourish in Naples and his mumps and moans after being hauled off during the 2-1 defeat to Milan in the San Siro earned an icy response from hardline boss Antonio Conte,

The former Chelsea and Juventus boss – asked directly about the 34-year-old's histrionics after his number was shown – made clear De Bruyne won't be allowed to remain in a bad mood under his watch.

He said: "I hope he was upset about the result because if he was upset about something else he's got the wrong person."

Former Napoli stalwart Jose Luis Vidigal remains upbeat both De Bruyne and Scotland star McTominay can thrive in the same midfield, however, he believes the Serie A's best player is being directly affected by the change in approach to accommodate the former Manchester City pass master.

Speaking to 1 Football Club radio, Vidigal said: "The comparison will always be with what Napoli did last year. De Bruyne is a player who cannot be questioned: a star, someone who gives you quality, vision, and even mentality, as we saw yesterday in a match played entirely against those who defended within 30 meters. He can make the difference. It's clear that the dynamics change: McTominay and Anguissa gave you depth, runs, and movement without the ball.

"With De Bruyne, who occasionally occupies those spaces, it's different. But in my opinion, they can coexist: De Bruyne often plays behind the striker, forcing the defenders to follow him, and thus frees up space for McTominay and Anguissa to run forward. Perhaps the two of them will score fewer goals than last season, but together with De Bruyne, they can still give Napoli important characteristics for creating chances.

"Essentially, we can say that De Bruyne takes away some space, especially from McTominay, but at the same time, by catalysing the play, he ends up creating space for the Scotsman and Anguissa.”

McTominay has only scored once this season in all competitions but remains a key man under Antonio Conte's watch.

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