Bologna vs. Udinese (Sunday, 5.30pm)
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After a summer of upheaval, Champions League-bound Bologna get their 2024-25 campaign under way on Sunday, with Udinese the first visitors to Stadio Dall'Ara this season.
Both experienced very different fortunes last term, and they now clash on Serie A's opening matchday for just the second time ever - and the first since 1957.
We say: Bologna 1-1 Udinese
Bologna may find themselves frustrated by last season's stalemate specialists, as Udinese have retained their key players and already have a competitive game under their belts: few teams have left the Dall'Ara with maximum points in recent months, so a low-scoring draw could be the outcome.
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Hellas Verona vs. Napoli (Sunday, 5.30pm)
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Antonio Conte makes his Serie A comeback on Sunday evening, as new-look Napoli visit Hellas Verona at Stadio Bentegodi.
After making a dismal defence of their title last season, the Partenopei are seeking an upturn under new management, while Verona also have a fresh face in the dugout.
We say: Hellas Verona 0-1 Napoli
Napoli have won their last seven matches on matchday one of the Serie A season - already a club record - and that streak can continue at Verona's expense.
The home side were beaten by Serie B opposition in the Coppa Italia last week, while their visitors should now be getting to grips with Antonio Conte's demands.
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Cagliari vs. Roma (Sunday, 7.45pm)
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Starting their first full season under Daniele De Rossi, Sunday's Serie A opener takes Roma to Sardinia, where Cagliari will play host.
While the Giallorossi parted ways with Jose Mourinho last term, the Isolani bade a somewhat fonder goodbye to veteran coach Claudio Ranieri, who finally announced his retirement.
We say: Cagliari 1-2 Roma
A new-look Roma side should have sufficient flair to unlock their hosts on Sunday, though it could take more than one goal to seize victory in Sardinia.
Cagliari can generally hold their own on home turf, but doubts remain about their defence despite Davide Nicola's appointment.
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Lazio vs. Venezia (Sunday, 7.45pm)
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After a summer of change, Lazio return to Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, as they host promoted Venezia in their first fixture of the 2024-25 campaign.
Disappointing results last season prompted the appointment of Marco Baroni, while Venezia are also under new management despite winning the Serie B playoffs.
We say: Lazio 2-0 Venezia
The last time these sides met, during the 2021-22 Serie A season, Lazio won both home and away, and Sunday's game should produce the same result: after Venezia suffered a shock cup loss last week, they will surely come up short at Stadio Olimpico.
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Ben Knapton
