Cagliari vs. Spezia (Monday, 5.30pm)
© Reuters
Two sides that flirted with relegation towards the end of last season get their 2021-22 campaigns underway on Monday, as Cagliari host Spezia in Sardinia.
While the home side will hope to fare better under last term's saviour Leonardo Semplici, the visitors are seeking to build on a fine first season in Serie A despite losing their manager.
We say: Cagliari 3-1 Spezia
Cagliari have been a totally different proposition under Leonardo Semplici, as a flaky defence and weak mentality improved immeasurably towards the end of last term.
They have kept the same squad together and meet first-day opponents who will take time to transition from their previously successful methods to those of their new boss. Therefore, the Isolani are prepared to pick Spezia off and take all three points on their opening night.
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Sampdoria vs. AC Milan (Monday, 7.45pm)
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In the final game of Serie A's opening round on Monday night, last season's runners-up AC Milan visit a Sampdoria side under new management.
After enjoying a spectacular resurgence in 2020 the first half of this year has been less kind to the Rossoneri, who will hope to get their campaign off to a winning start in Liguria.
We say: Sampdoria 2-2 AC Milan
Samp were no pushovers last season, and despite Claudio Ranieri's lamented departure, they can cause the top teams trouble again - provided they keep hold of their rising stars.
A settled side can hold Milan to a score draw on Monday night, as the Rossoneri are never quite the same side without Kessie and 'King Zlatan' and could be vulnerable in their first competitive outing of the campaign.
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