The Italian Serie A returns this weekend in what will be the competition's 88th season. A rather interesting script played out last season as for the first time in a decade, Juventus failed to clinch the Scudetto. This season, the Bianconeri will be eager to return to the glory days and no one does it better than the man who led them to five successive league trophies - Massimilliano Allegri. For the 2021/2022 season, Lecce and Bresia have returned to the Italian top-flight and will be hoping to evade relegation where as while Hellas Verona are back in the mix after a season's absence.
How did the 2020-21 Serie A season end?
Inter Milan emerged as champions to end Juventus' monopoly after the Bianconeri had secured the nine previous titles. Under the tutelage of former manager Antonio Conte, they Nerrazzuri racked up 91 points - 12 points more than their closest competitor AC Milan could manage. Atalanta secured third place and a final day collapse to Verona for Napoli led to their demotion to fifth place and allowed Juventus into the top-four to secure a place in this season's UEFA Champions League. At the other end of the spectrum, Benevento, Parma and Crotone were relegated.
Top games to watch
Inter vs Genoa: The defending champions will open their season's account by hosting Genoa at the Guissepe Meaza stadium. Having seen the departure of manager Antonio Conte as well as players such as Hakimi Achraf, Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young, the Nerrazzuri's will be eager to start the nexus on a good note in a bid to retain their crown.
Udinese vs Juventus: Despite losing their talisman and skipper Rodrigo de Paul in a transfer to Atletico Madrid, Udinese will look to put Juventus through their paces when they go head to head on Sunday. The Old Lady, on the other hand, are poised to reclaim the Scudeto and should come bring A-game in the second-coming of Massimiliano Allegri.
Roma vs Fiorentina: Jose Mourinho is back in Serie A and his first test will be against the Violets inside Stadio Olimpico in Roma. While the Portuguese manager comes along with his knack to put together box-office performances, his opponents will be eager to back their fresh bid to finish in the top half of the league table with a convincing performance in the opening game.
Sampdoria vs AC Milan: Following last season's renaissance, AC Milan will look to take the first big step to securing their first Serie A title in over a decade. The Rossoneri enter the weekend's encounter as the runners-up from the previous season and will aim to take it a notch further in this new campaign.
Serie A injury list
AC Milan: Frank Kessie (hamstring), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (knee injury)
Atalanta: Duvan Zapata (knee injury), Hans Hateboer (foot injury)
Inter Milan: Alexis Sanchez (muscle injury), Lautauro Martinez (muscle injury)
Juventus: Adrien Rabiot (muscle injury)
Napoli: Dries Mertens (shoulder injury), Diego Demme (muscle injury).
