The Serie A begins this weekend and here is a look at some of the things we should expect during the action-packed weekend.
The first big game of the season
Lazio and Napoli will face off in what is potentially an explosive first day in the Serie A. This fixture is expected to set the tone for the rest of the new season. The Biancocelesti lost twice against Napoli last season but can once again afford to dream. The Partenopei have changed coach, and this offers a great opportunity for Lazio to beat the iron whilst it’s still hot. Carlo Ancelotti is a very good replacement for Maurizio Sarri, but his two recent defeats against Liverpool and Wolfsburg (5-0 and 3-1 respectively) indicate that he has not yet found his rhythm at the club. That notwithstanding, we should expect to see some sparks in Rome this Saturday.
Ronaldo to shine on his debut
Cristiano Ronaldo shone at Real Madrid for nine beautiful years and he will start a new chapter in his professional career with Juventus this weekend. His first assignment in the Italian top flight will be against Chievo Verona, and it will be a dream come true for the Portuguese icon. The Bianconeri have not lost to Chievo since 2010, and they easily won the last three duels without conceding. It goes without saying that this match will not pose any challenges for them. Ronaldo could register his first competitive goal for the Old Lady.
Tough times ahead for newly promoted sides
Empoli, Parma, and Frosinone all earned the right to play at the very highest level of Italian football after a good season in Serie B last the last term. However, life is often short for newly promoted sides in the Serie A. Hellas Verona and Benevento were both relegated from the league last season only one year after they were promoted. Crotone also survived for just two seasons before being ejected the last campaign. Given that the three new teams start their campaigns having all lost their last games, we dare to say that they will have a hard time avoiding a difficult first weekend.
Inter to remain intact without Luka Modric
Luka Modric was strongly linked to a move to Inter Milan after expressing his desire to leave Madrid and join up with the Italian giants. However, his club and the huge release clause (£ 447m) that Inter must pay to land him makes the case very complicated. The Croatian international, a finalist at the World Cup, has been an integral part of the Los Blancos since 2012, and that is why Florentino Perez is reluctant to accept the proposal. If Inter manages to make the deal, it will be a real masterstroke, but if they fail to convince Real, they still have a high-quality workforce to rely on.
New stars in Italy
Apart from Ronaldo, Serie A will be honored by the presence of some new stars. Everton has lent Kevin Mirallas to Fiorentina while Sime Vrsaljko will now play for Inter Milan. Emre Can joins Juve from Liverpool, in addition to Douglas Costa who will complete his permanent move from Bayern Munich. Justin Kluivert left Ajax and will now play for Roma.