Conte identifies ideal McTominay backup in Serie A | OneFootball

Antonio Conte has identified Bologna’s Giovanni Fabbian as the ideal backup for Scotland international Scott McTominay, although Napoli remain interested in Fabio Miretti as well.

Napoli may sign a new central midfielder this summer, with Miretti and Fabbian among their main targets in that position.

Conte considers Fabbian an ideal backup for McTominay

NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 23: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 23, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Surely, Napoli appreciate Miretti, who has returned to Juventus after a one-season loan spell at Genoa, but Bianconeri and Partenopei are not yet in advanced talks for the Italian midfielder.

Fabbian is another profile that Conte genuinely likes, and sources with knowledge of the matter tell me that the Italian tactician sees the product of the Inter academy as the ideal backup for McTominay.

Talks between Napoli and Bologna not advanced yet

LISBON, PORTUGAL – DECEMBER 11: Giovanni Fabbian of Bologna runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Kerem Akturkoglu of S.L Benfica during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between SL Benfica and Bologna FC 1909 at Estadio do SL Benfica on December 11, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Napoli have already held preliminary talks with Bologna, but negotiations are not yet at an advanced stage.

Surely, Fabbian has to be monitored in the coming days as Conte feels his late runs would help Napoli in the final third, just as it happened with McTominay in 2024-25.