Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne scored on his Napoli debut as the Serie A champions began their title defence with a 2-0 win at Sassuolo.
The 34-year-old, who joined on a free transfer in the summer after 10 years with Manchester City, found the far corner of the net with a whipped free-kick from the left shortly before the hour mark.
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay had given the champions the lead after 17 minutes when he headed in a cross from Italy winger Matteo Politano.
McTominay, 28, scored 12 goals in 34 league appearances after joining Napoli from Manchester United in 2024, earning him the Serie A MVP award as Antonio Conte’s side clinched the title.
The Scot, who has scored 14 times in 37 matches in all competitions for the Italians, recently earned a nomination for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award.
The hosts’ on-loan Marseille midfielder Ismael Kone was sent off with 11 minutes to go for a second bookable offence.
Elsewhere in the division, Genoa and Lecce played out a tense 0-0 draw in a game of few chances.
