Reggio Emilia – Conte's new Napoli made a sensational debut : at the Mapei Stadium, the Azzurri defeated Sassuolo 2-0, thanks to the impressive goals of Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne . These two impressive signings kicked off the new season in style, with the Neapolitan fans already ecstatic.
Napoli started strongly and almost took the lead with De Bruyne, who attempted a counterattack in the first minute but sent the ball over. The former City player, however, refused to be discouraged and, a few minutes later, lit up the pitch with a brilliant pass to Rrahmani, who almost scored.
The lead came in the 17th minute: Politano played a pass from the right and McTominay, making his Serie A debut, made a well-timed run and headed home his first goal for the Azzurri. Grit, running, and the immediate joy of celebrating in front of the fans: the Scotsman sent the fans wild.
Sassuolo tries to react with Doig, but Meret is alert.
Shortly before half-time, McTominay came close to scoring a brace again: his curling right-footed shot hit the top corner.
In the second half, the Azzurri continued to grind out a dominant performance. Politano nearly doubled the lead by hitting the post, but in the 57th minute, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: Kevin De Bruyne presented himself to Italian football with one of his trademark masterpieces. A vicious free kick from the left, the ball crossed the area and flew directly into the far post. Pure class, a standing ovation from the fans.
Sassuolo attempted to get back into the game with Berardi, but the Azzurri defense held firm. The Neroverdi were reduced to ten men in the 35th minute following Koné's red card, and Napoli controlled the game with maturity until the end, also bringing on new signings Neres and Vergara.
At the final whistle, the Azzurri exploded with celebration: a resounding 2-0 win, a clean sheet, and the new arrivals' first convincing responses. Conte can smile: his Napoli team is off to a flying start and sending a clear message to the league.
A dream debut, with the champions taking center stage right from the start. The Neapolitans can believe it: the show has just begun.
The match unfolded very interestingly, with the new signings already appearing to be adapting well. McTominay scored a nice goal, but Napoli still have some room for improvement.