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De Bruyne Scores on Napoli Debut as Champions Open With Win at Sassuolo

Conte urges patience over integrating De Bruyne into an established midfield during Lukaku’s layoff.

Soccer Football - Serie A - U.S. Sassuolo v Napoli - Mapei Stadium - Citta del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia, Italy - August 23, 2025  Napoli's Kevin De Bruyne in action REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
Soccer Football - Serie A - U.S. Sassuolo v Napoli - Mapei Stadium - Citta del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia, Italy - August 23, 2025  Napoli's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their second goal with Napoli's Giovanni Di Lorenzo as U.S. Sassuolo's Filippo Romagna reacts REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
Soccer Football - Serie A - U.S. Sassuolo v Napoli - Mapei Stadium - Citta del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia, Italy - August 23, 2025  Napoli's Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
Soccer Football - Serie A - U.S. Sassuolo v Napoli - Mapei Stadium - Citta del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia, Italy - August 23, 2025  Napoli's Scott McTominay celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Ciro De Luca     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Overview

  • Scott McTominay put Napoli ahead in the 17th minute with a header from Matteo Politano’s cross.
  • Kevin De Bruyne doubled the lead in the 57th minute when his free-kick from the left drifted through to the far corner.
  • Sassuolo finished with ten men after Ismaël Koné received a second yellow card late on.
  • Antonio Conte said he is still seeking the right midfield balance and asked for patience as new signings settle.
  • Opta noted De Bruyne, 34, became the oldest outfield player to make a Serie A debut for Napoli in the three-point era, with Lukaku sidelined for 3–4 months and Lorenzo Lucca starting up front.