Overview

• De Bruyne, 34, scored with a direct free kick from the left in the 57th minute as the ball drifted untouched into the far corner.
• Scott McTominay opened the scoring in the 17th minute, and Sassuolo finished with ten men after Ismael Koné’s second yellow card in the 79th.
• Antonio Conte said preseason work centered on integrating De Bruyne’s ball-dominant profile without diminishing the squad’s strengths.
• Teammates including McTominay and Matteo Politano praised his impact, with Politano noting De Bruyne is learning Italian to aid communication.
• De Bruyne said he must adapt to Italy’s different style of play, and Napoli’s next match is their home opener against Cagliari.