Napoli kicked off their Serie A title defence with a solid 2-0 away victory over Sassuolo, and it was their star summer signing Kevin De Bruyne who stole the spotlight.

De Bruyne Opens His Napoli Account in Style

The Belgian playmaker marked his official debut with a goal in the 57th minute — and in truly unorthodox fashion. Delivering an in-swinging free-kick from the flank, De Bruyne curled the ball directly into the box. It bypassed everyone, bounced once inside the area, and nestled straight into the net — a bizarre but brilliant moment from the former Manchester City maestro.

McTominay Picks Up Where He Left Off

Scott McTominay, Napoli’s standout performer from last season, had earlier given the reigning champions the lead with a clinical finish in the first half. That goal, combined with De Bruyne’s second-half strike, was enough to give Antonio Conte a winning start to the new campaign.

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2025-26, Italy - Serie A

Sassuolo - Napoli 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: McTominay, 17 (0:1); De Bruyne, 57 (0:2)

Sassuolo: Turati; Doig (Cande F., 81); Walukiewicz; Romagna; Boloca; Lipani (Fadera, 73); Muharemovic; Kone I. (till 79); Berardi D. (Pierini, 90); Lauriente A. (Ghion, 81); Pinamonti (Moro L., 90)
Bench: Satalino; Zacchi; Muric A.; Missori; Pieragnolo; Volpato C.; Idzes; Mulattieri; Álvarez Ag.
Yellow Cards: Berardi D. 56; Kone I. 67, 79
Red cards: Kone I. 79'

Napoli: Meret; Juan Jesus; Rrahmani Am.; Olivera M. (Spinazzola, 89); Di Lorenzo; McTominay (Vergara A., 89); De Bruyne; Politano (Neres, 76); Lobotka (Gilmour B., 82); Zambo Anguissa André-Frank; Lucca L. (Lang N., 82)
Bench: Contini N.; Milinkovic-Savic V.; Buongiorno; Mazzocchi; Beukema; Marianucci; Zanoli; Hasa; Ambrosino; Cheddira
Yellow Cards: Lucca L. 46