Napoli start their title defence against newly promoted Sassuolo on Saturday.
Napoli’s preparations for the new Serie A season hit a major setback when Romelu Lukaku tore his thigh during a friendly against Olympiakos. Italian media reports suggest he may not play again until 2026, forcing coach Antonio Conte to rethink his attacking options.
With Lukaku out, Lorenzo Lucca and Noa Lang will lead the frontline, while the departures of Giovanni Simeone and Giacomo Raspadori have reshaped the squad.
Belgian superstar Kevin De Bruyne, one of Italy’s most talked-about summer signings, is set to make his full debut. He impressed in preseason, scoring twice and assisting in a 3-2 win over Girona.
“I feel like I still have motivation and quality, and I wanted to play at the highest level,” De Bruyne said ahead of the campaign, as Napoli look to defend their Scudetto.
Napoli also boosted their backline with goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and centre-back Sam Beukema, aiming for stability after past turbulence under Luciano Spalletti. Conte’s decision to stay in Naples provides continuity that could be key in a long season.
Rivals have strengthened to challenge Napoli: AC Milan added Luka Modric, Samuele Ricci, and Ardon Jashari. Inter Milan, under rookie coach Cristian Chivu, signed young talents Ange-Yoan Bonny and Luis Enrique. Roma face Bologna under Gian Piero Gasperini. Juventus look to end a five-year title drought, hosting Parma with Jonathan David leading the attack.
Saturday: Genoa v Lecce Sassuolo v Napoli (1630) AC Milan v Cremonese Roma v Bologna (1845)
Sunday:Cagliari v Fiorentina Como v Lazio (1645) Atalanta v Pisa Juventus v Parma (1845)
Monday: Udinese v Verona (1630), Inter Milan v Torino (1845)
Napoli’s season begins in uncertainty, but with De Bruyne leading the charge, fans hope the champions can defend their title despite Lukaku’s long-term absence.
