At long last, Serie A will get underway this weekend. For the first time in over a decade, AC Milan begin the season as reigning champions, but the Rossoneri will certainly face a stern test as teams like Inter, Juventus, Napoli, and perhaps even Roma all aim to snatch the Scudetto. Last season proved to be a very exciting Scudetto race and fans will be really hoping to see another enthralling battle as several team all vie to be named champions of Italy.
Here is all you need to know ahead of matchday one in Serie A.
Serie A: Top matches to catch on matchday one
Milan vs Udinese: The reigning champs kick off their title defense with a home match against Udinese. Stefano Pioli's men won their 19th title by a narrow margin, besting cross-town rivals Inter by two points. Meanwhile, the Zebrette had their ups and downs, but did enough to ensure they secured safety by finishing in 12th spot with 47 points. Historically, and not surprisingly, the Rossoneri have the better head to head record in this fixture, especially at the Stadio San Siro, where they have won 26 times and lost just seven. In fact, Udinese's last victory at this ground was nearly six years ago, on September 11, 2016.
Lecce vs Inter: Back in the top flight once again, Lecce's first game will be a tough test against Inter. The Nerazzurri narrowly missed out on the Scudetto last time out and having brought back Romelu Lukaku on loan from Chelsea, Simone Inzaghi's men will aim to hit the ground running against a team who have not beaten them since 2012.
Salternitana vs Roma: The hosts narrowly avoided the drop, sneaking into 17th place to ensure they remained in the top flight for yet another season. However, they are expected to face a stern challenge when Jose Mourinho's Roma arrive on Sunday. The Giallorossi, fresh off winning the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League have made some interesting signings this summer, including Paulo Dybala and experienced midfielder Nemanja Matic, and will be really keen on making a serious challenge for at least a top four spot this season.
Juventus vs Sassuolo: Although Paul Pogba has made a return to Turin, the French star will not be able to make his debut just yet as he continues to recover from injury. Juventus had a tough campaign last season, missing out on the Scudetto for the second straight time and narrowly squeaking into fourth place to secure Champions League football. Massimiliano Allegri will certainly be under pressure to revive La Vecchia Signora's fortunes, but Sassuolo have proven to be a nuisance for Juventus in the past. Will the Turin side avoid an opening day loss this time around?
Team news for matchday one of the 2022/23 Serie A season
Here is the personnel report ahead of matchday one for the following teams:
*All info current as of 12 August
Milan: Sandro Tonali (Unknown Injury), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Knee Surgery)
Inter: Danilo D'Ambrosio (Muscle Fatigue), Gabriel Brazão (Cruciate Ligament Rupture), Marcelo Brozovic (Calf Problems), Dalbert (Cruciate Ligament Injury)
Napoli: Gianluca Gaetano (Suspension through sports court), Matteo Politano (Calf Problems)
Juventus: Mattia De Sciglio (Muscle Fatigue), Paul Pogba (Meniscal Injury), Weston McKennie (Shoulder Injury), Wojciech Szczesny (Tear in the abductor muscle), Federico Chiesa (Cruciate Ligament Rupture), Marley Aké (Fibula Fracture), Kaio Jorge (Patella rupture)
Rome: Ebrima Darboe (Cruciate Ligament Surgery)
Lazio: Nicolò Casale (Yellow card suspension), Pedro (Ankle Injury), Patryk Dziczek (Heart Condition)
Schedule and where to watch all fixtures on matchday one in Serie A
Here is how you can follow all the matches on matchday one in Serie A, from wherever you are based:
