De Bruyne rescues Napoli with goal and assist in win over Genoa

Napoli faced a tough start to the new Serie A season in their away match against Genoa, struggling through a first half dominated by the home side. Genoa controlled roughly 60% of possession, produced five shots on target, hit the woodwork once, earned three corners, and were slightly more accurate in passing than their opponents. Napoli, by contrast, managed only a single shot in the opening 45 minutes and rarely threatened Genoa's goal.

As the first half drew to a close, Napoli began pushing into the opposition's penalty area more frequently. In the 44th minute, a rebound fell to Giovanni Di Lorenzo, whose powerful strike was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, keeping the score level at the break.

Second-half turnaround

The second half brought a shift in momentum, as Napoli took control of possession and registered ten shots on goal, three of which struck the frame of the goal. The breakthrough came in the 82nd minute, when veteran Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring.

De Bruyne's influence continued moments later, as his elegant pass set up Antonio Vergara for a fine finish, doubling Napoli's lead in the 87th minute and sealing a 2:0 victory.

Elsewhere in the opening round, Inter thrashed Monza 4:1 at home, Udinese and Como drew 1:1, and Cagliari edged Parma 1:0 away. Two more of last season's top-six clubs, AC Milan and Juventus, were set to open their campaigns the following day.