Serie A returns: Champions Inter under pressure as Milan and Napoli aim high

Serie A returns for a new season with the opening weekend offering an immediate reminder of why Italy’s top flight remains one of Europe’s most compelling leagues.

Reigning champions Inter Milan begin their title defence at home to Monza, while Napoli, Juventus, Milan and Roma all face intriguing tests as the battle for the Scudetto gets underway.

Inter have been installed among the leading contenders, but new manager Cristian Chivu knows his side will be the team everyone wants to beat.

The former Nerazzurri defender has inherited a squad with high expectations and admits there is still work to do before they reach top speed.

“We’re the team to beat. We’re still missing a few pieces, and we still have a few weeks to get ourselves into the best possible shape for the opening league match,” Chivu said.

Inter’s first assignment, against Monza at San Siro, should give Chivu an opportunity to begin shaping his side in a competitive environment. Napoli, meanwhile, face a potentially tricky trip to Genoa, with the champions from two seasons ago determined to return to the summit.

The weekend’s headline fixture may come in Turin, where Torino host Milan on Sunday night. Milan have Ruben Amorim in charge and the Portuguese coach has already enjoyed a memorable pre-season victory, overseeing a 4-2 win against his former club Manchester United.

Amorim insists there are no lingering emotions about his departure from Old Trafford.

“No, it’s a normal game,” he said.

“Since I signed with Milan, I haven’t felt anything about Manchester United. I’m just proud to have been at Manchester United and I still love Manchester United, but after signing with Milan, I don’t feel anything negative about anything because I’m very happy.”

That happiness will be tested when the competitive football begins, with Milan expected to

challenge for honours after a disappointing previous campaign.

Juventus also start their campaign away from home, travelling to Frosinone on Sunday. The Bianconeri will be expected to challenge near the top of the table, although Frosinone will relish the chance to make an early statement against one of Italy’s giants.

There is less optimism around Lazio following a disastrous start to their competitive campaign.

Gennaro Gattuso apologised to supporters after Lazio suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Serie B side Mantova in the Coppa Italia Round of 64.

“We took a punch to the face,” Gattuso admitted. “We took a beating, and I’m putting my face on it.

Now, heads down and get on with it.” Lazio will hope for an immediate response when they travel to Bologna on Monday.

Roma also begin their campaign on Monday night, hosting Fiorentina in a fixture that could have significant implications for the European places. Both clubs will have ambitions of pushing into the Champions League conversation, making it a fascinating opening test.

Elsewhere, Udinese host Como and Parma meet Cagliari on Saturday, while Venezia welcome Lecce and Atalanta face promoted Sassuolo on Sunday.

The opening round may not decide the destination of the Scudetto, but it will provide the first clues.

With Inter defending their crown, Milan rebuilding, Napoli chasing another title and Juventus seeking a return to the summit, Serie A begins with expectations already running high.

Broadcast details

Times CAT

Serie A, Matchday 1

Saturday 22 August

18:30: Udinese v Como – LIVE on SuperSport Variety

18:30: Inter v Monza – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2

20:45: Parma v Cagliari – LIVE on SuperSport Variety

20:45: Genoa v Napoli – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2

Sunday 23 August

18:30: Venezia v Lecce – LIVE on SuperSport Variety

18:30: Frosinone v Juventus – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2

20:45: Torino v Milan – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2