Napoli celebrate De Bruyne's goal. © ANSA / ELISABETTA BARACCHI

Serie A debut: De Bruyne impresses with dream goal

A new star player, a dream goal and a successful opening victory: Napoli fans had cause to celebrate their team's Serie A debut.

August 23, 2025

From: do

For Napoli, the new Serie A season began with a real exclamation mark. In their opening match against Sassuolo Calcio, Antonio Conte's team comfortably prevailed 2-0. The spotlight was on new signing Kevin De Bruyne, who scored a spectacular free-kick goal in his first league game, impressively confirming his role as the new star player.

Napoli largely dominated the first half. They created several early chances, but Politano and Rrahmani both narrowly missed. In the 17th minute, the moment finally arrived: Scott McTominay headed home a perfect cross from Politano to take a 1-0 lead. Napoli continued to dominate the game but failed to add to their lead despite several more good opportunities. Sassuolo fought back hard and tried to create threats on the counterattack, but remained harmless.

Scott McTominay scored the first goal of the new Serie A season. © APA/afp / STEFANO RELLANDINI

After the break, Mapoli increased the pressure once again. De Bruyne, in particular, stepped up his game and took control of the game in midfield. He delivered the highlight in the 57th minute: with a precise free kick from just under 20 meters, he found the back of the net, sealing the victory. Sassuolo tried to get back into the game, but the visitors' defense held firm. In the closing stages, Napoli confidently controlled the score and comfortably held on to their 2-0 opening victory.

The results

Genoa – Lecce 0:0

Sassuolo – Napoli 0:2
Goals: 0:1 McTominay (17th), 0:2 De Bruyne (57th)

Milan – Cremonese 1:2
Goals: 0:1 Bascherotto (28th), 1:1 Pavlovic (45+1st), 1:2Bonazzoli (61st)

Rgrandma – Bologna 1:0
Goals: 1-0 Wesley (53.)