Hellas Verona vs. Cesena (Saturday, 5.30pm)
© Reuters
Both knocked out by Bologna last year, Hellas Verona and Cesena clash in the first round of this season's Coppa Italia, meeting at Stadio Bentegodi on Saturday.
While Hellas narrowly survived a relegation scare in Italy's top flight, their Emilian visitors gained promotion back to Serie B in 2023-24.
We say: Hellas Verona 1-0 Cesena
Both teams are still finding their feet under new management, so it may be a disjointed 90 minutes in Verona, where the hosts' top-tier experience should prove enough to defeat visitors that were in Serie C last season.
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Empoli vs. Catanzaro (Saturday, 7.45pm)
© Reuters
After staying in Serie A by the skin of their teeth last season, Empoli kick off a new campaign in the Coppa Italia, as they welcome Catanzaro to Tuscany on Saturday.
The Azzurri were knocked out in the first round by Serie B opponents this time last year, and will now aim to avoid another upset in Roberto D'Aversa's first competitive fixture.
We say: Empoli 2-1 Catanzaro
There may not be much to choose between these two sides over 90 minutes, but home advantage should help Empoli overcome any rustiness in their first competitive contest of 2024-25.
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Napoli vs. Modena (Saturday, 8.15pm)
© Imago
Kicking off the Antonio Conte era at Stadio Maradona, Napoli host Modena in the Coppa Italia first round on Saturday.
After making a dismal defence of their Scudetto last season, the Partenopei turned to Calcio's most notorious taskmaster, and the ex-Chelsea boss now takes charge of his first competitive match.
We say: Napoli 2-0 Modena
New-look Napoli have proved tough to score against in pre-season - perhaps no surprise given the identity of their new manager - and they should see off Modena's challenge this weekend.
Mid-table finishers in Serie B last term, the visitors will not have enough guile to make the most of any rustiness in Antonio Conte's squad.
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Matt Law
