The much-anticipated return of Italian Serie A has already delivered a flurry of talking points, immediately sparking fervent debates and early conclusions. From commanding victories to shocking upsets, the first matchday set the stage for a season brimming with drama.
Matchday 1 Results Overview
- Sassuolo 0, Napoli 2
- Genoa 0, Lecce 0
- AS Roma 1, Bologna 0
- AC Milan 1, Cremonese 2
Napoli: A Striker-Less Force?
Antonio Conte`s Napoli kicked off their Serie A campaign with a dominant 2-0 win against Sassuolo, picking up precisely where they left off last season. The opening goal came from Scott McTominay, followed by a debut strike from former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, who joined as a free agent. Their seamless interplay and positional versatility throughout the 90 minutes demonstrated a promising partnership for the season.
Despite the absence of Romelu Lukaku, sidelined for three months with a pre-season injury, and only Lorenzo Lucca available as a central striker, Napoli`s midfield depth proved more than capable. While the club reportedly plans to sign another striker before the transfer window closes, their convincing performance against Sassuolo suggests the current squad, with its adaptable talent, might not be in desperate need of immediate reinforcement up front.
AC Milan`s Top-Four Ambitions in Doubt After Stuttering Start
It was a day to forget for Massimiliano Allegri and AC Milan, as they suffered a perplexing 2-1 home defeat at San Siro against newly-promoted Cremonese. The Rossoneri, deploying a 3-5-2 formation with USMNT star Christian Pulisic alongside Santiago Gimenez in attack, failed to impress. Federico Bonazzoli`s stunning bicycle kick secured an unexpected victory for the visitors, leaving Milan with a worrying opening performance.
Allegri faces an uphill battle to resolve squad issues quickly. The early outlook for Milan appears challenging, even with the seasoned presence of Luka Modric. The club is actively seeking another striker, but concerns linger over Victor Boniface`s knee condition following medical tests. The final week of the transfer window will be pivotal for Milan`s prospects, and a top-four finish, when observing their rivals` strengths, is far from guaranteed at this nascent stage of the season.
AS Roma: Early Contenders for the Scudetto?
In stark contrast, Gian Piero Gasperini`s AS Roma showcased impressive readiness, securing a 1-0 victory against Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico. Brazilian winger Wesley, a former Flamengo player, marked his official debut with the decisive second-half goal. The Giallorossi looked strong and competitive, with Wesley poised to become a key player. Matias Soule and Evan Ferguson, despite not scoring, demonstrated excellent integration into Gasperini`s tactical vision.
After Napoli, AS Roma presented the most convincing display on Serie A`s opening day. Gasperini and the Roma faithful have genuine cause for optimism; their new project is clearly flourishing, hinting at a strong challenge for the Scudetto this season.
