Player Ratings: Sassuolo 0-2 Napoli – McTominay steals the show again despite De Bruyne magic

SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Napoli secured a 2-0 win in their 2025-26 Serie A debut against Sassuolo today, with Scott McTominay stealing the show once again.

Sassuolo 0-2 Napoli player ratings

Sassuolo: Turati 5.5; Walukiewicz 5, Romagna 5, Muharemovic 5.5, Doig 6 (80′ Candé N/A); Lipani 6 (72′ Fadera 6), Koné 4, Boloca 5.5; Berardi 6 (90′ Pierini N/A), Pinamonti 5 (90′ Moro N/A) , Laurienté 5 (80′ Ghion N/A). Coach: Grosso 6.

Best Sassuolo player: Berardi – Oh dear, how we missed him! Napoli didn’t leave him many chances, but his touches were always smart, and he tracked back very often to help defensively. Awarded before for the game for his 400th club appearance. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him play for Italy again soon, especially with Rino Gattuso was spotted in the stands today.

Lowest Sassuolo rating: Kone 4 – Received a second yellow card for a reckless foul in central midfield. He tried to argue he had touched the ball, but it really wasn’t the case.

Sassuolo coach: Grosso 6 – His team had nothing to lose in this one, and to be fair, they didn’t concede much. They needed better decision-making in the final third, but Sassuolo seem to have enough quality to survive.

Napoli: Meret 6; Di Lorenzo 6.5, Rrahmani 6.5, Juan Jesus 6.5, Olivera 6.5 (89′ Spinazzola N/A); Lobotka 7 (81′ Gilmour N/A); Politano 7.5 (75′ David Neres 6), Anguissa 7, De Bruyne 7, McTominay 8 (89′ Vergara N/A); Lucca 5.5 (81′ Lang N/A). Coach: Conte 7.

Best Napoli player: McTominay 7.5 – All the headlines were for De Bruyne before this game, but guess who stole the show again? Last season’s MVP scored the very first goal of the new season with a towering header. Whether he plays as a central midfielder or as a left winger, like today, he always leaves his mark. Oh, he hit the crossbar as well before the break. Just keeps improving.

Lowest Napoli rating: Lucca 5.5 – Not entirely convincing, especially when he needed to play with his back to the goal, the trademark Lukaku move. He fought hard on every ball, but was far from his best version.

Napoli coach: Conte 7 – A very solid performance. His Napoli side created through the right to put crosses in and find Lucca, McTominay or Anguissa. Both full-backs cut inside, and Lobotka dropped between the two central defenders to start the build-up. De Bruyne was a bit slow, but made touches all over the pitch. Napoli started the new season on the right foot, and they will further evolve.