Serie A’s third matchday features two heavyweight fixtures that could provide an early indication of the title ambitions of Inter, Napoli, Juventus and AC Milan.
Defending champions Inter host Napoli in Saturday’s standout game, with both clubs having made winning starts. Inter began their title defence with a 4-1 victory over Monza, while Napoli defeated Genoa 2-0 in Massimiliano Allegri’s first match as their new coach.
Inter manager Cristian Chivu believes the meeting could prove significant in the wider context of the campaign.
“The only thing we know for sure is that we have worked hard and that we are ready for a big game, knowing it could shape the season.”
Chivu expects the outcome to be determined by “key moments” and says both teams will require “focus and precision” to succeed.
Before that contest, Friday’s opening fixture sees Genoa take on Como. Saturday also includes Fiorentina against Torino, followed by Roma’s meeting with Atalanta.
Roma, coached by Gian Piero Gasperini, will be seeking to underline their renewed ambition when they complete the day’s headline fixtures against Atalanta.
Juventus and AC Milan meet on Sunday
Sunday’s main attraction comes in Turin, where Juventus welcome AC Milan.
Juventus opened the season with a narrow 1-0 victory away to Frosinone. Luciano Spalletti, however, wants his side to show greater decisiveness in the final stages of matches.
“We must have the courage to come up with decisive pieces of play,” he says.
Spalletti has also challenged his players to reveal their “ruthless face” as they pursue their objectives.
AC Milan arrive after an encouraging beginning under Ruben Amorim. The Rossoneri beat Torino 2-1 in their opening match, with the Portuguese coach promising an attacking approach.
Amorim has spoken openly about the emotion he feels in his new role at the club.
“The passion of the goal is for a coach who celebrated so many Milan goals, and now I am the coach of Milan, so I want to feel that passion in my staff too.”
The rest of Sunday’s programme includes Parma against Monza, Frosinone versus Venezia and Bologna’s meeting with Sassuolo.
The round concludes on Monday with Cagliari hosting Lecce and Udinese facing Lazio.
With Inter and Napoli meeting in Milan before Juventus and AC Milan clash in Turin, the weekend will offer four of Italy’s biggest clubs an early opportunity to measure their progress and ambitions.
Serie A: Matchday 3 broadcast details
Friday 4 September
– 18:45: Genoa v Como – live on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Football Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360
Saturday 5 September
– 13:00: Fiorentina v Torino – live on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Football Africa
– 16:00: Inter v Napoli – live on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Football Africa
– 18:45: Roma v Atalanta – live on SuperSport Football and SuperSport Football Africa
Sunday 6 September
– 13:00: Parma v Monza – live on SuperSport Action Africa
– 13:00: Frosinone v Venezia – live on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Football Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360
– 16:00: Bologna v Sassuolo – live on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Football Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360
– 18:45: Juventus v AC Milan – live on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Football Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360
Monday 7 September
– 16:00: Cagliari v Lecce – live on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Football Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360
– 18:45: Udinese v Lazio – live on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Football Africa and SuperSport Maximo 360
