Sassuolo return to Serie A with a tough test as they host champions Napoli on the opening weekend. After finishing top of the home form table in Serie B last season, Sassuolo will rely on strong performances at the Mapei Stadium to avoid relegation.
Manager Fabio Grosso has focused on improving the defence, bringing in Fali Candé and Jay Idzes from Venezia, aiming to build on a solid backline.
Napoli, under Antonio Conte, are looking to defend their title and have strengthened their attack with the signing of Kevin De Bruyne. Despite losing their first game last season 3-0, they went on to dominate the league, thanks to a defence that kept 19 clean sheets, the best in Europe’s top leagues.
Napoli are unbeaten in 20 of their 22 Serie A matches against Sassuolo and won both meetings last season, including a 6-1 away victory.
Domenico Berardi has had good moments against Napoli, while Scott McTominay ended last season in fine form. Sassuolo are at full strength, but Napoli will miss Lukaku and new signing Miguel Gutiérrez.
Without any doubt, Napoli look strong favourites to start their title defence with a win.
