Serie A returns this weekend with champions Inter Milan beginning their title defence under pressure from a pack of rivals determined to wrestle away the Scudetto.
Inter open their campaign against Monza at San Siro on Saturday, with new manager Cristian Chivu taking charge of a side expected to once again challenge at the top of Italian football.
The former Inter defender, however, has warned that his squad is still a work in progress despite entering the season as one of the favourites.
“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.
Napoli will also be hoping to make an early statement when they travel to Genoa on Saturday night. After surrendering their place at the summit, the Naples club will be looking to re-establish themselves among the leading title contenders.
Attention then shifts to Turin on Sunday, where Torino host Milan in one of the weekend’s standout fixtures.
Milan enter the new campaign under Ruben Amorim, with expectations high after a disappointing previous season. The Portuguese coach enjoyed an encouraging pre-season, including a 4-2 victory over his former club Manchester United.
Amorim said his focus is firmly on his new assignment.
“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,” he said.
Juventus, another club hoping to mount a serious Scudetto challenge, begin away to Frosinone on Sunday.
Lazio, meanwhile, head into Monday’s trip to Bologna needing a response after suffering a shock 2-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Serie B side Mantova.
“We took a punch to the face,” Lazio coach Gennaro Gattuso said. “We took a beating, and I’m putting my face on it. Now, heads down and get on with it.”
Roma complete the opening round at home to Fiorentina on Monday night, with both sides expected to challenge for European qualification.
Elsewhere, Udinese face Como, Parma host Cagliari, Venezia take on Lecce and Atalanta meet promoted Sassuolo.
The opening weekend will offer an early glimpse of the balance of power in Italy, with Inter defending their crown and Milan, Napoli and Juventus all determined to ensure the champions do not have things their own way.
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