De Bruyne scores on debut as Napoli begin Serie A title defence with win over Sassuolo
Napoli started the 2025/26 Serie A season with a 2-0 win away at Sassuolo this Sunday (17). New signing Kevin De Bruyne scored on his debut, while Scott McTominay also found the net for the defending champions.
Goals and highlights
McTominay, voted best player in Serie A last season, opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a precise finish. In the second half, Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne confirmed his debut in style, converting a free kick in the 57th minute to double Napoli’s lead.
Sassuolo’s night got worse when Canadian midfielder Ismael Koné was sent off in the 79th minute, leaving the home side with 10 men until the final whistle.
Title defense underway
After lifting the Scudetto for the fourth time in history and the second in three years Napoli now aim for an unprecedented back-to-back triumph in 2025/26. The win in Emilia-Romagna gives the champions the perfect start to their campaign.
Sassuolo return to Serie A
Promoted after just one season in Serie B, Sassuolo returned to Italy’s top flight but struggled to cope with Napoli’s intensity. The defeat, however, does not overshadow their comeback to Serie A after 11 straight years in the division prior to relegation.
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