Serie A Matchday 1 preview & top betting picks

The 123rd season of top-flight Italian football begins this weekend with several exciting matches lined up. Here are our free soccer betting picks and predictions for Matchday 1 of the 2024/25 Italian Serie A.

Genoa v Inter Milan

Saturday, August 17 – 6:30pm CEST – Luigi Ferraris Stadium

Bidding to lift their third Scudetto in five years, champions Inter Milan launch their campaign against Genoa, who finished 11th last season. Winless against Internazionale in their last four meetings, Genoa could fall to defeat against Simone Inzaghi’s side, who are heavy favourites with online bookmakers to defend their title.

Parma v Fiorentina

Saturday, August 17 – 6:30pm CEST – Ennio Tardini Stadium

Promoted to the Serie A after a three-year absence, Parma’s survival campaign begins against Fiorentina, who finished in the top half of the table last season. Given that this encounter has ended in a stalemate in all four previous meetings, a similar outcome is probable this weekend.

AC Milan v FC Torino

Saturday, August 17 – 8:45pm CEST – Stadio Giuseppe Meazza

League winners three years ago and runners-up last season, AC Milan are among the favourites to lift the Serie A trophy this season. Although they begin their campaign against Torino, who beat them on the road last season, Milan should have the edge at the San Siro.

Empoli v Monza

Saturday, August 17 – 8:45pm CEST – Carlo Castellani Stadium

Assured of survival by a single point last season, Empoli hope to start their campaign with three precious points against Monza, who finished 12th. Triumphant against Monza on home soil over the last two seasons, a similar outcome could play out in front of their home crowd.

Bologna v Udinese

Sunday, August 18 – 6:30pm CEST – Renato Dall’Ara Stadium

Into the Champions League after finishing fifth last season, Bologna hope to have another impressive Serie A campaign. Although they drew against Udinese on home soil last season, Bologna — who have won two of their last four matches in this fixture — could do enough to secure maximum points.

Hellas Verona v Napoli

Sunday, August 18 – 6:30pm CEST – Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium

Condemned to 10th during their title defence last season, Napoli hope for a better campaign under new manager Antonio Conte. Victorious against Hellas Verona both home and away last season, the Blues could kick off their season with a win against Paolo Zanetti’s side.

Cagliari v AS Roma

Sunday, August 18 – 8:45pm CEST – Sardegna Arena

Into the Europa League after finishing sixth last season, AS Roma hope to cruise past Cagliari, who were spared relegation by a single point last season. Confident under manager Daniele De Rossi, Roma could make it five consecutive wins against Cagliari.

Lazio v Venezia

Sunday, August 18 – 8:45pm CEST – Stadio Olimpico

Returning to the Serie A after a two-year absence, Venezia have a tough assignment on the opening weekend with a trip to the Stadio Olimpico. As such, the visitors could be condemned to an early relegation battle with a defeat to Lazio, who have beaten them in their last three meetings.

Lecce v Atalanta

Monday, August 19 – 6:30pm CEST – Stadio Ettore Giardiniero – Via del Mare

Despite losing to European giants Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, Atalanta should return to winning ways against Lecce, who they completed the season double over in the last campaign.

Juventus v Como

Monday, August 19 – 8:45pm CEST – Allianz Stadium

Promoted to the Italian top flight after a two-decade hiatus, Como’s return could begin with a defeat against Juventus, who are among the favourites to lift the Scudetto this season.

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