Napoli's title defence begins under a cloud with key striker Romelu Lukaku ruled out for an indefinite period ahead of Saturday's Serie A opener at Sassuolo. The 32-year-old suffered a serious thigh injury in a friendly against Olympiacos and may need surgery,

Kevin De Bruyne will lead Napoli's Serie A title defence on Saturday when he makes his full debut at promoted Sassuolo, but the champions head into the new season rocked by a long-term injury to star striker Romelu Lukaku.

Romelu Lukaku will not need to undergo surgery for his thigh injury, but is still expected to be out for three to four months.The Belgium international pulled up clutching the back of his left thigh