{"id":435088,"date":"2025-09-19T03:07:16","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T03:07:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/435088\/"},"modified":"2025-09-19T03:07:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T03:07:16","slug":"pundit-left-in-shock-after-what-he-has-just-seen-antonio-conte-do-in-man-city-vs-napoli","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/435088\/","title":{"rendered":"Pundit left ‘in shock’ after what he has just seen Antonio Conte do in Man City vs Napoli"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sky Sports pundit Robert Earnshaw could not hide the shock he felt after what Antonio Conte did during the first half of Manchester City vs Napoli. <\/strong><\/p>\n

The two teams entered the halftime break at the Etihad Stadium<\/a> with the score level at 0-0, with the big talking point being the red card received by the Italian side\u2019s captain, Giovanni Di Lorenzo.<\/p>\n

As a result, Man City<\/a> had the better of the opportunities and should have taken the lead in the opening 45 minutes; however, Earnshaw was more concerned about a decision Conte made in Manchester.<\/p>\n

The Sky Sports pundit was left in shock by the Napoli manager\u2019s actions and even stated that Serie A champions were playing for a draw against Man City.<\/p>\n

\"ErlingPhoto by Simon Stacpoole\/Offside\/Offside via Getty ImagesRobert Earnshaw was left in shock after Kevin De Bruyne substitution <\/p>\n

Heading into Thursday night\u2019s clash at the Etihad Stadium, Kevin De Bruyne\u2019s return to Manchester<\/a> was the biggest talking point around the Champions League<\/a> contest, but the superstar\u2019s night did not last long. <\/p>\n

Conte admitted that he used De Bruyne to prepare for Napoli\u2019s clash with Man City<\/a>; however, seeking more defensive stability after Di Lorenzo\u2019s red card, the Italian coach took the midfielder off after 26 minutes, which left Earnshaw in shock. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a big moment. They have taken off Kevin De Bruyne. I am in shock at that one. He is their best player,\u201d the pundit said on Sky Sports News. \u201cA slight beautiful moment is he has got banners up and he has got a full round of applause from everybody in the stadium. <\/p>\n

\n

“I’m in shock at that one!”<\/p>\n

Kevin De Bruyne is being taken off by Napoli following Di Lorenzo’s suspension and replaced by defender Olivera pic.twitter.com\/WfyBvqaaYv<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 18, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is an odd substitution from Antonio Conte. I cannot believe that, that\u2019s very, very odd. Talk about going for a draw.\u201d<\/p>\n

The former forward would not have been the only person with this reaction, as it was a sad way for De Bruyne<\/a> to end his return to the Etihad Stadium.<\/p>\n

\"KevinPhoto by Catherine Ivill \u2013 AMA\/Getty ImagesMichael Brown disappointed that Kevin De Bruyne has come off early<\/p>\n

In addition to Earnshaw, former Man City star Michael Brown was also disappointed by Conte\u2019s decision to take De Bruyne off, labelling the decision a \u201cshame\u201d. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a shame for Kevin de Bruyne to be sacrificed after the red card,\u201d Brown said on BBC Radio 5 Live Extra<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\u201cIf it was in 65 minutes, it might\u2019ve been a different decision, but these players have to be the most dynamic and fit to get anything from this game.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a shame for the game. He\u2019s graced so many nights in European football. Everybody\u2019s been waiting for him to come back. I\u2019m so disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n