AC Milan vs. Udinese (Saturday, 5.30pm)
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After claiming the Scudetto in May, for the first time in over a decade, AC Milan kick off the defence of their crown against Udinese on Saturday evening.
San Siro will play host to the champions' competitive debut for the 2022-23 campaign, with the Rossoneri under pressure to start with a win.
We say: AC Milan 2-1 Udinese
Milan may have underwhelmed in the transfer market, but they have a clearly defined way of playing and it has proven effective across the past two years.
A home game against relatively modest opponents should be a gift, then, to start the new season, but Udinese can be tricky customers and will not be easily dispatched.
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Sampdoria vs. Atalanta (Saturday, 5.30pm)
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After a troubling period of decline, Atalanta BC will seek to start the 2022-23 Serie A season with a win on Saturday, as they visit Sampdoria.
The Bergamaschi arrive at Stadio Luigi Ferraris having slumped to eighth place last term - far below their recent high standards - while their hosts endured an even more difficult campaign and only narrowly avoided relegation.
We say: Sampdoria 0-1 Atalanta BC
Even if Atalanta are able to reattain the unprecedented heights scaled in seasons past, it will surely take time for them to click.
An apparently kind fixture to kick off the new campaign should help them along the way, and the visitors can deepen Samp's woes with a one-goal win.
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Lecce vs. Inter Milan (Saturday, 7.45pm)
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Upon their return to the top flight, Lecce face a stern test of their Serie A credentials, as they welcome Inter Milan to Stadio Via del Mare on Saturday.
Last season's Serie B champions will entertain a Nerazzurri side intent on reclaiming the Scudetto in the 2022-23 campaign, after finishing runners-up to Milan in May.
We say: Lecce 1-3 Inter Milan
Inter were clearly in good shape going forward during pre-season, but also showed signs of defensive vulnerability, so victory at Via del Mare should not be taken for granted.
Though they may not keep a clean sheet, the Nerazzurri will still win on the opening night of their 2022-23 season, thanks to their abundant resources in the final third.
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Monza vs. Torino (Saturday, 7.45pm)
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Following a frantic summer of squad-building, ambitious Monza make their Serie A debut on Saturday night, as they host Torino at Stadio Brianteo.
While the hosts came through the Serie B playoffs in dramatic style to reach the top tier - where they aim to make a big impact - their visitors enjoyed a season of mid-table security after several scrapes with relegation.
We say: Monza 1-1 Torino
Surely a first-day victory is too much to ask of Monza, as they continue their planned trajectory to Calcio's top table, and it may take some time for their new men to bed in.
Though it could be a tough season ahead for Torino, they are overseen by a wily tactician who will ensure they are at least hard to beat.
