The Italian football champion SSC Naples, led by debutant Kevin de Bruyne, successfully started the new season of Series A.
The team of coach Antonio Conte won 2-0 (1-0) at promoted Sassuolo Calcio. De Bruyne, 34, achieved the preliminary decision (57th minute) – with a direct free kick from the left side line.
The free kick, which was probably intended as a cross, sailed untouched by the sixteen – and landed in the long corner.
The 1-0 had previously achieved Scott McTominay (17th). Sassuolo played outnumbered in the final phase after the yellow-red card against Ismael Koné (79th).
De Bruyne came from Manchester in summer
De Bruyne switched to Italy this summer after ten successful years at Manchester City. The former Bundesliga professional (Werder Bremen and VfL Wolfsburg) shaped an era for the English, led City to six championships, two FA-Cup titles, five league cup wins and the first Champions League triumph.
In Naples you hope that he can also shape an era there. The beginning is promising.