Napoli manager Antonio Conte apologised to fans after their 3-0 defeat at Verona in his first game in charge.
Dailon Livramento gave Verona the lead and fellow Serie A debutant Daniel Mosquera netted twice in a comfortable win.
Napoli won the 2022-23 title but then finished 10th last season with three different managers in charge.
Ex-Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss Conte replaced Francesco Calzona in the summer.
"We melted like snow in the sun," the Italian told Sky Sports Italia.
"What I feel like saying is that we should apologise to the Neapolitan supporters, who follow us with such passion.
"I am the coach and it is right that I take full responsibility."
Conte said he hopes to make more signings.
"One, two, three, four could arrive, as many as the club want to sign. The problems must be faced head-on, and they are not necessarily easy issues to fix," he said.