Napoli director of sport Mauro Meluso admits they feel the ‘responsibility’ of playing as defending Champions of Italy against Frosinone, noting they ‘made great sacrifices’ to keep star names.
It kicks off at 17.30 UK time (16.30 GMT) at the Stadio Benito Stirpe.
There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off in every Serie A game this weekend after news that legendary coach Carlo Mazzone has died at the age of 86.
“We unite with the world of football in giving our condolences to the family for someone who meant a lot to us as a person as well as a coach,” Meluso told DAZN.
The opening match of the season sees Napoli with the Scudetto symbol on their jerseys as reigning champions of Italy, taking on Frosinone.
“This is a game we face with great responsibility, as Napoli won the Scudetto and will do everything to repeat at least the style of football, desire to do well and determination, having made enormous sacrifices to retain much of the squad. That includes players who had a lot of interest on the transfer market and gave up the opportunity to increase their wages elsewhere.”
Napoli are said to be on the verge of securing midfielder Gabri Veiga from Celta Vigo, but the director of sport refused to comment on those rumours.
“I am one of those who don’t like talking about the transfer market during the season, as that is an anomaly. I would prefer to talk about the game instead.”
There is one new signing in the starting XI under coach Rudi Garcia, Jens Cajuste stepping in because Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa is not fully fit.