Napoli vs Torino – Conte defends selection choices & provides De Bruyne update

Antonio Conte spoke to DAZN in the moments before kick-off between Napoli and Torino at the Maradona, addressing the most pressing questions surrounding his team selection, and offering the most detailed update yet on when supporters might see Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa making a meaningful contribution.

The Belgian and the Cameroonian are both named on the bench this evening, their first involvement in a matchday squad since their respective injuries in the autumn.

NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 28: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of SSC Napoli, reacts from the technical area during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SSC Napoli and Chelsea FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 28, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)

But Conte was measured in managing expectations, explaining that the timing of the fixture had complicated their preparation.

“This is the first week they have worked with us,” he said, with quotes via IlNapolista.

“Making assessments about how much they can play is difficult, especially because in previous weeks we organised friendlies to help with the integration of new arrivals like Lukaku. This week that was not possible, a practice match would have been useful. If I have brought them to the bench, it means they are available. We will see how the game goes, whether we need them and how much.”

NAPLES, ITALY – FEBRUARY 10: Antonio Conte, SSC Napoli head coach, gestures before the Coppa Italia match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 10, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli vs Torino – Conte defends selection choices

The selection of three left-footed central defenders raised eyebrows, with Sam Beukema notably absent from the starting lineup.

Conte was typically brief when pressed on the matter.

“These are technical choices, I pick those in the best condition. It is not the first time this has happened,” he said, declining to elaborate further.

With 11 matches remaining, Conte was equally direct about the stakes involved.

Asked about the difficulty of facing a Torino side who have returned to a two-striker system under Roberto D’Aversa, he refused to single out any individual opponent.

“For us every match is important,” he said.

“In these eleven games we will determine what kind of European competition we play next season. Tonight matters, just as Lecce and Cagliari will matter. We must take it game by game and draw conclusions at the end.”

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