• Napoli begin their title defence without the injured Romelu Lukaku, who might not return in 2025

• Simone Inzaghi left Inter Milan after the Champions League final.

• Cesc Fabregas’s Como are aiming to join last season’s nine European contenders

Napoli pipped Inter Milan to the title on the final day, but Antonio Conte’s side have lost Romelu Lukaku to injury on the eve of the season.

Last season’s European race went down to ninth, with Como hoping to join them. This year’s relegation battle should open up following Sassuolo’s return to the top-flight.

As the season gets underway, we have taken a look at all 10 matches.

Genoa vs Lecce (Saturday, 5:30pm)

Lecce barely survived last term, finishing 17th. The visitors lost 11 of 19 away trips, while they averaged less than a goal per game. Four home wins against the bottom five helped keep Genoa clear of danger, and a routine home win may ensue.

Score prediction: Genoa 2-0 Lecce

Sassuolo vs Napoli (Saturday, 5:30pm)

Sassuolo stormed back into the top-flight last term, but they meet the league’s meanest defence. The Partenopei won 1-0 on seven occasions on their way to the title, and a slender win could be incoming with Lukaku missing.

Score prediction: 1-0 Napoli

AC Milan vs Cremonese (Saturday, 7:45pm)

Max Allegri returns to AC Milan aiming to improve on a dismal 2024/25 campaign. The Rossoneri did win all eight clashes with the bottom four, including seven wins to nil. Allegri’s back-to-basics approach should bring a routine win against promoted opposition.

Score prediction: AC Milan 2-0 Cremonese

Roma vs Bologna (Saturday, 7:45pm)

Gian Piero Gasperini is a great addition for Roma, but he lost four of his first five games with Atalanta. Players take time to understand his approach, so a strong Bologna side can catch the Giallorossi cold.

Score prediction: Roma 1-2 Bologna

Cagliari vs Fiorentina (Sunday, 5:30pm)

Cagliari lost 11 of their 14 clashes with the top seven last term. Fiorentina have looked solid in preseason, and they can grind out a win on the road.

Score prediction: Cagliari 0-1 Fiorentina

Como vs Lazio (Sunday, 5:30pm)

Lazio have endured a frustrating summer, while Fabregas’s side have made impressive moves in the transfer market.. Como should step up this season, starting here.

Score prediction: Como 2-1 Lazio

Atalanta vs Pisa (Sunday, 7:45pm)

Atalanta’s decision to replace Gasperini with Ivan Juric is cause for concern, while last season’s Serie A top scorer, Matteo Retegui, left in the summer. Pisa could catch them at the perfect time.

Score prediction: Atalanta 1-1 Pisa

Juventus vs Parma (Sunday, 7:45pm)

The loss of striker Ange-Yoan Bonny leaves Parma limited up top, ensuring Igor Tudor’s side look well placed to build on some encouraging preseason results.

Score prediction: Juventus 2-0 Parma

Udinese vs Hellas Verona (Monday, 5:30pm)

Udinese won five of their home meetings with the bottom six last season, while Verona are set to be up against it this season. With 11 losses on the road last season, expect them to struggle in their opener.

Score prediction: Udinese 2-1 Hellas Verona

Inter Milan vs Torino (Monday, 7:45pm)

Without the suspended Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter could struggle. Chivu isn’t the most convincing choice of manager, while the Nerazzurri have struggled to get deals over the line in time for their opener.

Score prediction: Inter Milan 1-1 Torino