Oriali explains why Conte left De Bruyne out for Napoli vs. Genoa

Gabriele Oriali has explained why Antonio Conte decided to leave Kevin De Bruyne out of his starting line-up for the Serie A clash between Napoli and Genoa on Sunday afternoon.

The Partenopei host Genoa at the Stadio Maradona, kicking off at 17.00, as they look to draw level with Roma at the top of the Serie A standings.

You can follow the action as it unfolds on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Oriali on De Bruyne absence: ‘Like Lobotka and Anguissa in the past’

CASTEL DI SANGRO, ITALY – AUGUST 09: Kevin De Bruyne of Napoli looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Napoli and Girona at Stadio Teofilo Patini on August 09, 2025 in Castel di Sangro, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

Napoli have been off to a positive start in Serie A at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign with four wins out of a possible five. They will go joint-top of the table with a victory over Genoa on Sunday.

One of the stars of Napoli’s season so far, De Bruyne, is not among the starters at the Maradona on Sunday.

Oriali has explained that this is purely a tactical decision from Conte.

“He’s out for a technical choice today, just as Lobotka and Anguissa have been left out in the past, There are lots of games and everyone has to feel involved,” Oriali told DAZN ahead of kick-off.

David Neres is the man to come into the Napoli starting XI in place of De Bruyne.

“Today it’s his turn, but we have lots of other players on the bench ready to give us a hand. The important thing is that they understand the coach’s choices and always make themselves available,” Oriali added.

On the impact made by Rasmus Hojlund since his move from Manchester United, Oriali added: “Today it’s his turn. Results have been great since he joined the group. I hope he continues on this path.”

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 01: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between SSC Napoli and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 01, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

And on the test against Genoa, he said: “We’ve not kept fond memories of Genoa since last season, so we have to go about this game with the right mentality and with a winning attitude.”