Napoli is set to field a formidable attacking trio comprising Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay, and Rasmus Hojlund in their upcoming away fixture against Cagliari today. This newly formed offensive line-up has been colloquially dubbed the ‘Manchester-made’ trio.
Conte unveils new Napoli attacking trident
Napoli coach Antonio Conte is poised to deploy an unprecedented attacking trident for today’s Serie A clash against Cagliari at the Unipol Domus Arena, with De Bruyne, McTominay, and Hojlund anticipated to lead the forward line.
While these three players have previously started together earlier in the season before De Bruyne’s muscle injury in October, their roles were different back then. The Belgian ace was deployed as a central midfielder, and McTominay functioned as a left winger.
Napoli’s tactical system in the initial months of the 2025-26 season was a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, Conte has since transitioned the team’s set-up to a 3-4-2-1, which they have utilized for the past few months.
With De Bruyne back in action since early March, Conte has successfully integrated the former Manchester City star into his revised tactical approach. Later today, De Bruyne is expected to start as an attacking midfielder, partnering with McTominay, positioned just behind the sole striker, Hojlund.
This will mark De Bruyne’s first Serie A start for Napoli since October 25, 2025, when he sustained a significant injury less than 40 minutes into a home game against Inter.
De Bruyne joined Napoli on a free transfer from Manchester City last summer. Concurrently, both McTominay and Hojlund made their way to the Stadio Maradona from Manchester United.
McTominay is currently in his second season with Napoli, whereas Hojlund joined the Serie A powerhouse last summer on a loan deal that includes an obligation to purchase.