McTominay and KDB on target at Mapei Stadium
Scott McTominay resumed his goal-scoring form and Kevin De Bruyne opened his Napoli account as the Italian champions despatched Sassuolo 2-0 in the first match of the 2025/26 Serie A season.
Last season's Serie A Player of the Year broke the deadlock soon after the quarter-hour mark with a fine header from Matteo Politano's cross.
The free-scoring Scot almost made it two before the break but his curled finish came back off the bar.
After the restart De Bruyne did make it 2-0 when his inswinging free kick from out wide cleared everyone in the box and ended up inside the far post.
Antonio Conte was satisfied with his team's first three points of the season.
“We went into the match with the right mentality and the spirit we needed to win this opening game,” he said. “We set out our intentions from the start and that's the most positive aspect.
“The main change from last year is the addition of De Bruyne and we're trying out different things to find the best way to fit Kevin in with the three midfielders who were key to our Scudetto triumph last year. We have to do that without upsetting our balance or losing our strength. Our focus and dedication are unchanged from last season.
“It wasn't easy to impose our game on Sassuolo tonight. They have some very skilful players in attack and an excellent coach.
“It's a good start but we mustn't forget that the road ahead is long. We have to work very hard to be able to deal with everything we come up against and we must show the right ambition. Wearing the Scudetto shield on our chest should be an added incentive for us.”
Kevin De Bruyne was a happy man after breaking his Serie A duck.
“I'm delighted to have scored, also given how important it was. We could have played better today but the main thing was getting the first three points on the board.
“Things are different in Italy compared to the Premier League and I have to adapt to my team-mates more than them adapt to me. I'm working well and I feel good about the future.”
Scott McTominay started the new campaign in the same vein as he finished last term – with a goal.
“It's what I wanted in pre-season – to start again with the same intensity as last season.
“We're happy with the win but we have to keep going. We must keep working, stay humble and focus on doing our very best in every competition.”
Sassuolo 0-2 Napoli (HT 0-1)
Scorers: McTominay 17, De Bruyne 58.
SASSUOLO: Turati; Walukiewicz, Romagna, Muharemovic, Doig (Cande 81), Kone, Boloca, Lipani (Fadera 73), Berardi (Pierini 90), Laurienté, Pinamonti (Moro 90).
Coach: Grosso.
NAPOLI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Olivera (Spinazzola 89), Politano (Neres 76), Lobotka (Gilmour 82), Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay (Vergara 89), Lucca (Noa Lang 82). Coach: Conte.
Referee: Ayroldi (i Molfetta
Booked: Lucca, Berardi.
Sent off: Kone 79.
