Manchester boys, KDB & McTominay, open Napoli's winning account

Napoli's title-defending campaign started the way everyone at Stadio Diego Maradona hoped, and absolutely the same goes for Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian showed class in today's 2-0 triumph over the Serie A returnees Sassuolo and managed to net his maiden Napoli goal, scoring a free-kick banger in the 57th minute. At that point, the former Man City magician put a cherry on top of the Neapolitans' victory, though the deadlock was broken 40 minutes earlier by another Manchester lad.

The ruling Serie A MVP Scott McTominay indicated that he aims for back-to-back accolades, opening the scoring in the 17th minute with a superb header following Mateo Politano's cross from the right flank.

Antonio Conte's crew could have scored a few more goals - especially after the home team's Ismael Kone was sent off in the 79th minute - but the absence of Romelu Lukaku and a proper replacement for the robust striker took its toll.

Searching for Hojlund: Milan out, Napoli in

Either way, the Napoli fans can be happy and satisfied, as their favourites put in a decent performance and gave the rivals no chance. In the next round, Napoli will host Cagliari at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 1

Saturday

Genoa - Lecce 0-0

Sassuolo - Napoli 0-2 (0-1)

/McTominay 17, De Bruyne 57/

Milan - Cremonese 0-0 IN PROGRESS

Roma - Bologna 0-0 IN PROGRESS

Sunday

19.30: (3.25) Cagliari (3.35) Fiorentina (2.35)

19.30: (2.55) Como (3.35) Lazio (2.95)

21.45: (1.42) Atalanta (5.20) Pisa (7.50)

21.45: (1.45) Juventus (4.40) Parma (7.50)

Monday

19.30: (1.93) Udinese (3.50) Verona (4.50)

21.45: (1.43) Inter (4.50) Torino (7.50)

***odds are subject to change***