MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 20: Fabio Capello attends the Sporting Mixed Zone ahead of Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Palacio De Cibeles on April 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)
In the aftermath of Napoli’s 6–2 collapse against PSV, Fabio Capello delivered a scathing assessment of the performance on Sky Sport, accusing the Azzurri of lacking spirit, organisation and identity.
Capello admitted Napoli started with the right intentions, even taking an early lead, but said the match rapidly exposed deep flaws.
“Napoli began quite well and even went in front through McTominay,” Capello said, with quotes via TMW.
“But then they were overwhelmed by PSV’s dynamism. I saw a Napoli without heart – it was truly sad.”
The former England and Milan coach said he never expected such a passive display from a team led by Antonio Conte, a coach known across Europe for intensity.
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 21: Scott McTominay reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match at PSV Stadion on October 21, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
“I would never have imagined that Napoli, coached by someone as determined and influential as Conte, could play like this…” Capello continued.
Capello on Napoli defeat: ‘Conte looked subdued from the start’
He also made a pointed observation about the Partenopei bench, suggesting Conte lacked his usual fire.
“Antonio looked really subdued on the touchline from the start,” he added. “It surprised me to see him that way tonight.”
TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 18: Antonio Conte looks on prior to the Serie A match at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on October 18, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Napoli now face growing scrutiny, with questions not only about their defending, but about motivation, mentality and leadership in a Champions League campaign that has slipped out of control, with just one win from their opening three games.
With another round of fixtures to come tomorrow, Napoli could find themselves in the ‘danger zone’ of the league phase by Thursday morning, with a lot of work to do in the remaining fixtures.
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