Kevin De Bruyne introduced himself to the Neapolitan faithful by scoring in his first match for new side Napoli following his move from Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne introduced himself to the Neapolitan faithful by scoring in his first match for his new side, Napoli, following his move from Manchester City.

The Belgian superstar announced his departure from the club where he achieved his greatest feats on the pitch ahead of the end of last season, with the 33-year-old departing on a free transfer after playing 421 matches over his 10-year stint.

De Bruyne waved an emotional farewell to the Etihad on the final day of the season on the pitch with his wife, Michele Lacroix,x, and three children.

At the time, his manager Pep Guardiola broke down in tears as he said goodbye to his midfield talisman.

Announcing his signing for the club, Napoli shared an AI-generated image of De Bruyne atop a throne, welcoming 'King Kev' to Serie A.

And the Italians did not have to wait long for De Bruyne to show off his variety of talents - alongside another Premier League transplant turned Serie A star.

Scott McTominay scored the opener as Antonio Conte's team kicked off its title defence with a comfortable 2-0 win at Serie B champion Sassuolo.

McTominay joined Napoli from Manchester United last year in a move that was so successful he ended up being named Serie A player of the year.

And the 28-year-old picked up where he left off last season by scoring Napoli's first goal of the new campaign in the 17th minute, peeling away from his marker to head Matteo Politano's cross from the right into the top near corner.

McTominay also sent a fierce effort crashing off the crossbar in first-half stoppage time, while Politano hit the post before Napoli doubled its lead in somewhat strange circumstances.

De Bruyne whipped in a free kick from wide on the left - practically on the touchline - and it went over everyone in the area before bouncing on the ground and going into the far bottom corner.

Sassuolo ended the match with 10 men after midfielder Ismaël Koné was sent off following a second yellow card, with 11 minutes remaining.