By Eddah Waithaka
The new Serie A season kicks off this weekend with reigning champions Inter Milan beginning their title defence at home to Monza, while Napoli, Juventus, Milan and Roma all face intriguing tests in what promises to be another captivating campaign.
Inter enter the season as the team to beat, but new manager Cristian Chivu acknowledges his side still need to reach full throttle. The former Nerazzurri defender inherits a squad bursting with expectation and admits they remain a work in progress.
“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.
Saturday’s San Siro clash against Monza offers Chivu his first competitive opportunity to mould his side. Napoli, meanwhile, face a potentially hazardous trip to Genoa as the two-time champions from 2023 hunt a return to the summit.
Milan’s New Era Begins in Turin
The weekend’s marquee fixture sees Torino host Milan on Sunday night. Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim takes charge of the Rossoneri and has already announced his arrival with a memorable pre-season victory, a 4-2 dismantling of his former club Manchester United.
Amorim insists he carries no baggage from his Old Trafford departure.
“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 faces its first serious test when competitive action begins, with Milan expected to challenge for silverware after last season’s disappointment.
Juventus Begin Away from Home
Juventus travel to Frosinone on Sunday as the Bianconeri look to re-establish themselves among Italy’s elite. The hosts will relish the opportunity to make an early statement against one of the league’s traditional powerhouses.
Gattuso Under Pressure After Coppa Disaster
Dark clouds hover over Lazio following a catastrophic start to their competitive campaign. Gennaro Gattuso apologised to supporters after his side suffered a humiliating 2-0 home defeat to Serie B outfit 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 seek an immediate response when they travel to Bologna on Monday.
Roma and Fiorentina Clash in Monday Night Showdown
Roma begin their campaign at home to Fiorentina in a fixture carrying significant implications for European qualification. Both clubs harbour Champions League ambitions, setting up a fascinating opening test.
Elsewhere on the Opening Weekend
Udinese host Como and Parma meet Cagliari on Saturday, while Venezia welcome Lecce and Atalanta face promoted Sassuolo on Sunday.
The opening round won’t decide the Scudetto race, but it will offer the first glimpses of form. With Inter defending their crown, Milan rebuilding, Napoli chasing another title and Juventus seeking a return to the top, Serie A starts with expectations already sky-high.
Broadcast Details (Times CAT)
Saturday 22 August
· 18:30: Udinese v Como – LIVE on SuperSport Variety
· 18:30: Inter v Monza – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360
· 20:45: Parma v Cagliari – LIVE on SuperSport Variety
· 20:45: Genoa v Napoli – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360
Sunday 23 August
· 18:30: Venezia v Lecce – LIVE on SuperSport Variety
· 18:30: Frosinone v Juventus – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360
· 20:45: Torino v Milan – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360
· 20:45: Atalanta v Sassuolo – LIVE on SuperSport Variety
Monday 24 August
· 18:30: Bologna v Lazio – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360
· 20:45: Roma v Fiorentina – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport Maximo 360
