AC Milan’s struggles have carried over from last season, while defending Serie A champion Napoli and 2023-24 winner Inter Milan have emerged as top contenders. Newly promoted Como also showed it could challenge the league’s elite in the opening round.

Milan lost its opener to Cremonese at San Siro and faces Lecce on Friday, with coach Massimiliano Allegri still searching for a reliable striker. Como, led by Real Madrid product Nico Paz, beat Lazio and will visit Bologna on Saturday. Roma, coached by Gian Piero Gasperini, faces promoted Pisa in the city’s first Serie A match in 34 years.

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, the league’s highest-paid player, scored in Juve’s 2-0 opener over Parma. Inter’s 20-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito could make his Serie A debut against Udinese. Bologna’s Ciro Immobile is out for eight weeks with a leg injury, while Juventus midfielder Andrea Cambiaso received a two-match ban.

Off the field, Napoli is reportedly close to signing Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund to replace the injured Romelu Lukaku. Serie A authorities are investigating racist abuse toward Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie by Parma fans. League president Ezio Simonelli warned that Italy could risk co-hosting the 2032 European Championship with Turkey if stadiums are not updated.