Overview
- Napoli begin their title defence on Saturday at promoted Sassuolo, one of four opening-day fixtures before Inter host Torino on Monday.
- Romelu Lukaku suffered a serious thigh injury in a friendly against Olympiacos and may need surgery, leaving Lorenzo Lucca as Conte’s likely option up front while the club seeks reinforcements.
- Kevin De Bruyne, signed from Manchester City, is set for his full debut and will anchor a revamped midfield after a strong pre-season showing.
- Inter start a new chapter under Cristian Chivu, retaining key figures such as Yann Sommer, Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram after finishing runners-up last season.
- More than half of Serie A clubs changed head coach, with returns for Allegri at Milan, Pioli at Fiorentina and Sarri at Lazio, and referees will now announce VAR decisions live in stadiums.