The wait is over, and the time has come for the new Serie A season to kick off as last season’s Scudetto winners Napoli look to defend their title.
Saturday 19 August
Empoli 14/10 | Draw 23/10 | Verona 2/1 (18:30)
Empoli get their season going with a home game against Verona. New objectives will be clear and set out to improve on last season and with home ground advantage, the Gli Azzurri are looking to register their first three points of the season.
Verona managed to survive relegation by goal difference last season – a record that could be a blessing in disguise coming into the new season and could fuel their fire to go out and perform at the highest level as they look to pinch the three points in their season opener. Empoli though are tipped to register their first win.
Frosinone 56/10 | Draw 36/10 | Napoli 9/20 (18:30)
Newly-promoted Frosinone are ready to take on the big guns after they were crowned champions of Serie B. The time has come to take off the shackles off as they go face-to-face with the champions of Serie A. A positive result for Frosinone in their opening fixture will boost their confidence going forward as they begin life in the topflight.
Napoli are looking to defend their title this season and will come out and put on a champions performance to get off to a good start as they look to put new boys on the block Frosinone to the sword in their first away game of the season. Napoli to win.
Genoa 2/1 | Draw 47/20 | Fiorentina 27/20 (20:45)
Genoa have made a return to Serie A with a stronger mentality and ambition to fight for their place in the topflight. Alberto Gilardino will urge his players to stick to the gameplan, be aggressive on the counter attacks and give their home faithful a performance worthy of three points.
Fiorentina had a good campaign last season despite losing the UEFA Conference League final to West Ham. La Viola have been productive in the transfer window ahead of the new season, improving their squad and now look a more solid outfit as they look to make the return of Genoa one to forget. Back Fiorentina to show their superiority and get the win.
Inter Milan 4/10 | Draw 38/10 | Monza 6/1 (20:45)
Inter Milan have been excellent in their offseason and come into their first fixture on home soil full of confidence and ready to fight for the badge. Having lost to Monza in their previous meeting could bring the best out of Milan and could make this an exciting opener to the season for the fans to witness.
Monza will be well prepared and ready to go toe-to-toe with Inter Milan. Having the better head-to-head record from last season will give Monza the boost they are looking for and potentially come away with all three points. Still, Inter Milan should be winning at home.
Sunday 20 August
Roma 9/20 | Draw 7/2 | Salernitana 13/2 (18:30)
In-demand manager Jose Mourinho has rejected offers from two teams in favour of staying at Roma. The Portuguese mentor will want his team to approach the new season in the right frame of mind and willingness to win as the first three points are on the line.
Salernitana achieved their objective last season by avoiding relegation but have their work cut out for them against Roma. The strategy will be simple for Paulo Sousa and his men as they look to make the game as difficult as possible and maximize on the chances created. Back Roma to win their season opener.
Sassuolo 43/20 | Draw 26/10 | Atalanta 12/10 (18:30)
Sassuolo have dropped way below their lofty standards in recent times but have turned a new leaf and put in the work in the offseason to be in the best possible shape for the opening game. The mandate will be to fight for European spots and the journey starts here with the first three points.
Atalanta have lost their pedigree as one of the top sides in the league but have been working hard to transform the team while getting the fresh players up to speed and ready to go for the new season. A win will set the tone going forward as they look to fight their way back to the top. This could go either way but back Atalanta for the win.
Lecce 49/20 | Draw 23/10 | Lazio 12/10 (20:45)
Lecce have a tough task in their opening game but will use home ground advantage to beneficial use. Lecce can draw some inspiration from last season after they won this fixture 2-1. The home fans will be in full voice behind their team as they look to get off to a good start.
Lazio have been so consistent over the years and will be ready to pick up from where they left off last season. Finishing in second place last term will encourage the Eagles to go out and control proceedings with the likes of Ciro Immobile and Pedro leading the line. I fancy Lazio to get an early start and collect all three points.
Udinese 32/10 | Draw 5/2 | Juventus 9/10 (20:45)
The little Zebras welcome Juventus to the Dacia Arena to get the season off and rolling. Having lost a few key players will open the door for fresh players to step up and add value to the team. Finding rhythm and fluidity will be key in their success of pinching points off Juventus.
Juventus had a season to forget last season but have a chance to start off fresh and get the campaign off in the right way. Massimiliano Allegri has the experience to lead this team and winning the opening fixture will give Juve confidence and belief in their quest to get back to their best. Back Juventus to get the win.
Monday 21 August
Torino 8/10 | Draw 26/10 | Cagliari 37/10 (18:30)
Torino finished in 10th place last season and with a fresh start and fresh faces added to the squad, it could be start of something good. Adding to their attacking department was priority and having did so, they could be a dark horse to break into the top eight this season.
Cagliari have returned once again and will want to hit the ground running from the first whistle. Claudio Ranieri has done a sterling job at the helm and will want to continue this amazing run and get the win away from home. This will be a game of chess between these two teams and will come down to fine margins, but back the home team to win.
Bologna 51/20 | Draw 5/2 | AC Milan 21/20 (20:45)
Bologna has nothing to worry about as they could tame the European giants on the opening day in front of their home fans. Thiago Motta will analyse ways in which he can attack and take advantage on the day but at the same time be defensively sound to come away with all three points.
AC Milan have transformed their squad, bringing young talented players to compete at the highest level. The intentions are clear from Pioli but it will take one game at time as they look to find the right balance and cohesion between the players as the team looks equipped to go all the way. Back AC Milan to pick up their first win away from home.
