Serie A 25 & 26 Aug

Serie A kicks off on Saturday and it will be interesting to see who leaves the blocks fastest. Inter as defending champions will certainly be the team to beat but AC Milan, Roma and Juventus are all potential title contenders. At the other end of the league, newly promoted Napoli and Genoa will be keen to start well in a bid to keep their place amongst the elite of Italian football.

Saturday’s games

Torino will travel to Lazio, hoping to start their season strongly. Having dodged relegation last season there have been a number of changes at the club, including new management and new players. Lazio finished in third position last season and are certainly the stronger side. However, they may well be distracted by their upcoming Champions League qualifier. I would tend to side with Lazio but in view of their potential distraction, this match is a no bet for me.

Despite being demoted to Serie B and fined points for match-fixing, Juventus have bounced back into Serie A and new boss Claudio Ranieri will be keen to make a strong start as they welcome Livorno. Despite Livorno having a poor record against Juve, I see little value in this game, the handicaps on offer are giving very little away.

Sunday’s games

Newly promoted Genoa have had to wait 12 years since they last played in the top flight, and they have a tough opener against European Champions AC Milan. AC are relatively unchanged from last season, Genoa have some new blood but can they get a result against one of the giants of European football? I was surprised to see AC offered with half a goal handicap and since I think AC will win this one at a canter, it looks like good value to me. Have a two point bet on AC Milan (-1/2) at 1.76.

[AC won 3-0]

Having lost David Suazo to Inter I think Cagliari will struggle this season, new boys Napoli are finally back in the Serie A and will have a point to prove as they begin their campaign. Ezequiel Lavezzi was in great form when Napoli beat Pisa in the Coppa Italia, and he looks a favourite to start this game. I recommend a two point bet on Napoli (-½) at 1.98.

[Napoli lost 2-0]

Having escaped relegation last season, Parma have strengthened their squad and look to be in good form as they defeated Valencia recently in a pre-season friendly. They welcome Catania who also managed to avoid the drop. I think Parma are fair value for this match and recommend a one point bet on Parma (-½) at 1.89.

[Parma drew 2-2]

None of the other games represent much value for me.