Napoli is set to kick off their 2025-26 Serie A campaign with an away fixture against Sassuolo, featuring Scotland international Scott McTominay in a left-wing role.
The match is scheduled for 18:30 CET (17:30 BST) at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, the home ground of the recently promoted Sassuolo.
Under the guidance of 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Grosso, Sassuolo, known as the Neroverdi, is anticipated to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with a potent attacking trio of Domenico Berardi, Andrea Pinamonti, and Armand Laurienté.
Domenico Berardi in action for US Sassuolo.
Sassuolo will be missing Laurs Skjellerup and Kristian Thorstvedt due to injuries, and Edoardo Iannoni will be unavailable due to suspension.
Meanwhile, Napoli faces their own challenges, with key striker Romelu Lukaku sidelined with an injury and new acquisition Miguel Gutierrez also unavailable.
Coach Antonio Conte is predicted to opt for a 4-1-4-1 setup for Napoli, with Scott McTominay, Frank Anguissa, Kevin De Bruyne, and Stanislav Lobotka all expected to feature in the starting XI.
Upfront, Italian international Lorenzo Lucca is poised to fill in for Lukaku. In defense, Sam Beukema is expected to start on the bench, with Juan Jesus stepping in, as Alessandro Buongiorno has not yet reached full fitness.
A Napoli player during a pre-season friendly.
A point of contention remains in goal: Gazzetta reports that Alex Meret will be the preferred choice, although Sky Sport suggests that new signing Vanja Milinkovic-Savic could get the starting nod.
Where to Watch Sassuolo vs Napoli on TV
Fans can catch the live action on TNT Sports 1 and DAZN across the UK and Ireland, and on Paramount+ for viewers in the USA.
Predicted Line-ups for Sassuolo vs Napoli
- Sassuolo (4-3-3): Turati; Walukiewicz, Romagna, Muharemovic, Doig; Lipani, Koné, Boloca; Berardi, Pinamonti, Laurienté.
- Napoli (4-1-4-1): Meret (Milinkovic-Savic); Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Olivera; Lobotka; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Lucca.