Phil Foden's new Man City role paves way for Pep Guardiola to end unwanted streak against Antonio Conte
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(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media, Getty)
Edward Bazeley
Thu 18 September 2025 14:41, UK
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has historically got the better of his Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola.
Meanwhile, Man City host Napoli in their Champions League opener on Thursday, 18 September, handing Guardiola an opportunity to defeat the 56-year-old’s club.
Conte’s men head to the Etihad Stadium in strong form, having won all three of their Serie A encounters so far this term.
Contrastingly, Guardiola’s men have been inconsistent, although Manchester City were buoyed by their heavy win over Manchester United.
Credit: Imago
After Man City defeated Man United 3-0 last time out, the Etihad Stadium club will head into their clash with Napoli full of confidence.
However, in seven meetings against Conte, Guardiola has suffered four defeats while enjoying three wins in the process.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
The rarity of Conte’s success against Guardiola is epitomised by the fact that only Jurgen Klopp and Luis Enrique have earned more wins over the Manchester City boss than losses, out of managers who have achieved at least two victories against the 54-year-old.
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However, if Man City beat Napoli, the respective managers will have an even record of four wins apiece against each other.
According to former Premier League forward Paolo Di Canio, Napoli have what it takes to defeat Man City.
Phil Foden stats2025/26Appearances2Starts1Minutes played105Pass accuracy83.1%Chances created2Assists0Shots4Goals1Foden is performing well playing centrally
However, one factor that can certainly help Guardiola’s side is that attacking midfielder Phil Foden is returning to his best, thanks to the new role he has been playing.
The 25-year-old endured a poor Premier League campaign last term, scoring just seven goals in the top flight, while being largely deployed as a winger.
Foden proved his quality throughout the summer’s Club World Cup, playing in a more central role, notching three goals and one assist in four appearances in the competition.
The Manchester City academy graduate then demonstrated his attacking prowess by scoring in the derby victory over the Red Devils.
While the Etihad Stadium outfit have been inconsistent this term and suffered successive defeats against Tottenham and Brighton before beating Ruben Amorim’s men, Foden can inspire them to a victory over Napoli.
Contrastingly, Conte’s side boast stars who can hurt Guardiola’s men, including former Man City fan favourite Kevin De Bruyne.