Sassuolo vs Napoli Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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Sassuolo have returned to the top-flight of Italian football and they have a tough test on the opening day of the campaign as they take on reigning champions Napoli.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports & DAZN / US – Paramount+ & DAZN
How to watch online: UK – Discovery+ & DAZN / US – Paramount+ & DAZN
Sassuolo preview: Back in Serie A
Last season, Sassuolo immediately returned to Serie A after winning Serie B, following their surprise relegation from the top-flight in the 2023/24 campaign. They are coached by Fabio Grosso, who led Frosinone to promotion in 2023 but didn’t coach in Serie A.
Sassuolo have captain Domenico Berardi as the star attraction in their squad, but they also have some other standout players such as Armand Lauriente and Andrea Pinamonti, as well as new signings Ismael Kone and Alieu Fadera.
Napoli preview: Conte’s champions
Napoli took advantage of no European football to do what Antonio Conte does and that is win titles. The Neapolitans won their fourth ever Scudetto, with Scott McTominay the star of the show, but things will, as always, have to evolve in Campania.
They have made the eye catching addition of Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer from Manchester City, as well as Sam Beukema and Lorenzo Lucca. Napoli will have to try and evolve their style as they travel north to Lombardy this weekend.
Sassuolo team news: Finding a balance
Sassuolo will likely become a little more reactive and defensive in the top-flight, so it is interesting how Fabio Grosso fits his abundance of attacking players into the eleven.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Turati; Walukiewicz, Romagna, Muharemovic, Doig; Kone, Boloca, Ghion; Berardi, Lauriente, Fadera
Unavailable: Thorstvedt (Injured)
Questionable: Skjellerup (Injured)
Napoli team news: Lucca for Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku is missing the start of this season due to a thigh injury, and that means Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca is expected to make his competitive debut this weekend.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Mathias Olivera; De Bruyne, Lobotka, McTominay; Politano, Lucca, David Neres
Unavailable: Lukaku (Injured)
Questionable: Cheddira (Injured)
Sassuolo vs Napoli prediction
Sassuolo started their competitive season with a slender 1-0 victory over Catanzaro in the first round of the Coppa Italia last week. Sassuolo have a fun and exciting squad, but are likely to be cautious this season. However, with home advantage, they should take the initiative against the champions and that could really help Napoli in transition, with De Bruyne able to aim aerially for Lucca or in behind for Politano and David Neres.
Sassuolo vs Napoli tip: Napoli to win & both teams to score
