Verona Vs Milan
Hellas Verona return to top flight football after unexpectedly being relegated in 2002, when their squad boasted the likes of Adrian Mutu, Mauro Camoranesi and Alberto Gilardino. They have brought in a number of decent signings including Romuro from Fiorentina and Jankovic from Genoa in an attempt to retain Serie A status for atleast one season. Milan have once again spent very little over the summer, with their ‘shoe-string’ transfer policy limiting the Rossoneri. However Allegri will be confident that his side have enough ability to secure Champions League football once again and while they were not spectacular in their qualifying fixture against PSV in mid-week, they did enough to secure an important away draw.
Prediction 1-2
Sampdoria Vs Juventus
The reigning champions put on a formidable display as they swept aside a tough Lazio side who collapsed in the second half when Juve scored three goals in 6 minutes to put the final result beyond doubt. Juventus have once again spent well this summer bringing in the likes of Tevez and Llorente to ensure plenty of goals this season. De Rossi’s side have had a very quiet summer and have certainly not brought in the reinforcements they clearly needed following a pretty poor 2012/13 season, in which one can argue that they only avoided the drop due to an extremely good start in which they won 11 points in their opening 5 games. I predict a comfortable away win here.
Prediction 0-3
Inter Vs Genoa
Inter will be pleased with their first win in an official match this season in a comfortable home win against lowly Cittadella in a Coppa Italia qualifying match. With three important home points at stake on Sunday Mazzarri and his men will require maximum concentration to avoid any slip ups against a Genoa side who are fortunate to be playing Serie A football this season. The visitors have once again made wholesale changes to their squad, however I still predict that they will be in for a tough season. With the Nerazzuri having a quiet summer to date, with the club buy-out saga still underway, they will probably also struggle, however I reckon they have enough to win this.
Prediction 2-1
Cagliari Vs Atalanta
Both teams have made very few changes to their squad with just a week to go before the transfer window closes. I predict a slow game between two teams who will still be finding their match fitness after a long summer break.
Prediction 1-1
Lazio Vs Udinese
Lazio were undone by a second half onslaught against Juventus in the Italian Super Cup last Saturday night and coach Petkovic will need all his experience to gather his men as they face another tough outing at the Olimpico in Gamesweek 1 against an Udinese side who last season surpassed all expectations. These are two very ambitious sides who will both be aiming for a top three finish and we are in for a great game with star strikers Klose and Di Natale both most likely to get their names on the scoresheet.
Prediction 2-2
Livorno Vs Roma
Livorno return to Italian top flight football and will be facing one of the toughest opponents in a very determined Roma side who will want to put last season well behind them and start with a win. The Romans have brought in a few reinforcements this summer with the likes of Maicon, De Sanctis and Gervinho, however have also accepted sizable offers for two of their most important players, Osvaldo and Marquinhos. Livorno have also bolstered their ranks through a number of low key signings and loan deals as they attempt to secure atleast a point in their opening fixture.
Prediction 1-2
Napoli Vs Bologna
Napoli have seen a number of key changes this summer including the departure of coach Mazzarri, goalkeeper De Sanctis and star front man Cavani. In their stead Benitez has arrived with fellow Spaniards Pepe Reina, Albiol and Callejon, as well as Argentine Higuain from Real Madrid. This is set to be another exciting season for the Partnepoi as they seek to knock Juventus off their domestic perch and also have the Champions League to look forward too. Bologna have also bolstered their ranks with the likes of goalkeeper Curci from Roma and striker Rolando Bianchi from Torino as they build on their positives last season. The Rossoblu have also managed to hold on to their attacking mastermind Diamanti despite a lot of interest from bigger clubs over the summer. Despite the home side still settling following all the changes they should prove too much for Bologna.
Prediction 2-0
Parma Vs Chievo
Only a few points separated these two teams at the end of last season and neither squad has made any major changes over the summer with the exception of Parma who acquired the services of Cassano from Inter, however the temperamental front man could do more harm than good should he lose his cool. With very little between these two sides I am backing the home side simply because of home advantage.
Prediction 1-0
Torino Vs Sassuolo
Torino finished in 16th place last season and even though they were clear of the drop zone by 7 points, I believe they will be in for an even tougher season following the departure of their star defender Ogbonna to bitter city rivals Juventus. Sassuolo won direct promotion to the Serie A but will have their work cut out for them as they seek to retain top flight status and will have to adapt immediately or being left behind.
Prediction 1-0
Fiorentina Vs Catania
Fiorentina have had a very active summer bringing a number of reinforcements to bolster an already impressive squad. Goal machine Mario Gomez is perhaps their most exciting arrival as they push for Champions League football next season. The Sicilians have also brought in a number of new faces following their 8th place finish last season, just below all the big guns. Even though on their day Catania can be a force to be reckoned with I predict a comfortable win for Vincenzo Montella’s side.
Prediction 2-0
