Can Kevin De Bruyne & Scott McTominay play together? Fabio Capello outlines puzzle for Napoli coach Antonio Conte and warns Serie A giants to look out for Como's 'big team mentality'

De Bruyne came on as a substitute in the 51st minute during Napoli’s 2-1 win over Genoa, while McTominay started the match. Napoli were trailing 1-0 at half-time when Antonio Conte introduced De Bruyne, who played a key role in turning the game around. Conte later admitted that he is experimenting with tactical variations, in an effort to find the best way to utilise both McTominay and De Bruyne effectively.

Capello explained the qualities of both players and how they overlap, saying to Corriere dello Sport: “McTominay is in a position that De Bruyne is usurping. The two players are very different: De Bruyne has exceptional class, a unique vision of the game. McTominay is a player of insertion and strength. The two positions overlap.

“Furthermore, they lack support on the left flank: while on the right with [Matteo] Politano they are very dangerous, on the left they are a bit lacking. On Sunday he tried with [David] Neres, but it took De Bruyne's insight.”

The ex-England boss also had praise for Como, who brought in 16 players over the summer and currently sit eighth in the Serie A table. Capello praised coach Cesc Fabregas for the mental strength he has instilled in the squad, saying: “[The big Serie A teams] will have to deal with Fabregas's team. Congratulations to him: Como plays with the winning mentality of a big team, not a provincial one.

"They've spent money and chosen well-trained players from the Spanish school. We're dazed by tactics, but he wanted players with technique. The team wants to emerge, just like their coach."

Napoli fans will be hoping that Conte can find the right balance between De Bruyne and McTominay, as both players are game-changers who could play a key role in helping Napoli retain the Scudetto. Meanwhile, Fabregas will be hoping his Como players continue their current rich vein of form when they face Juventus on October 19, following the international break.