Fiorentina vs. Cremonese (Sunday, 5.30pm)
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Following a comeback campaign in 2021-22, Fiorentina get their Serie A season under way on Sunday, as they welcome promoted Cremonese to Stadio Artemio Franchi.
The visitors return to the top flight after 26 years away, and they are faced by a side that put together Italy's second-best home record last term.
We say: Fiorentina 3-2 Cremonese
Fiorentina have never drawn in their last 11 Serie A season openers and are set to continue that run with victory on Sunday. Both sides have invested in new attacking options, so an entertaining encounter surely awaits at the Franchi.
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Lazio vs. Bologna (Sunday, 5.30pm)
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Top-flight action returns to Rome's iconic Stadio Olimpico on Sunday evening, as Lazio host Bologna in their first Serie A fixture of the season.
While the Biancocelesti finished fifth last term, having radically overhauled their style, their visitors had to settle for mid-table mediocrity once again.
We say: Lazio 2-0 Bologna
Lazio have drawn the most opening round games of any Serie A club - 29 in all - but they will not add to that tally this weekend, as they breeze past Bologna. The hosts have recruited well, and Sarri's philosophy is becoming second nature to a talented squad.
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Salernitana vs. Roma (Sunday, 7.45pm)
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After an impressive recruitment drive over the summer break, Roma get their 2022-23 campaign under way against Salernitana on Sunday evening.
Having finished sixth last season in Serie A, the Europa Conference League winners now seek to take the next step under Jose Mourinho, and they start against a side that defied the odds to survive relegation in May.
We say: Salernitana 1-2 Roma
It could take some time for Roma's new signings to gel, but pre-season evidence suggests they can be a potent force in Serie A this season. Facing Salernitana's vulnerable defence, the visitors will get off to a flying start with a first-day win at the Arechi.
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Spezia vs. Empoli (Sunday, 7.45pm)
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Having both been forced to scrap for safety last season, Spezia and Empoli kick off the 2022-23 campaign seeking a positive start on Sunday.
The teams convene at Stadio Alberto Picco, after the hosts finished 16th and their visitors two places higher in May's final standings.
We say: Spezia 2-2 Empoli
Both sides have been in good goalscoring form over the past few weeks, and now the Serie A season kicks off, they can carry such potency into the opening day. As neither team is secure defensively, expect several goals in an eventful draw.
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Ben Knapton
