Napoli Begin Serie A Title Defense Amid Lukaku Injury, Inter Host Torino

The Serie A season in Italy kicks off with Napoli defending their title under coach Antonio Conte, who is determined to avoid a repeat of last season's disappointing post-championship performance. Napoli's midfield has been strengthened by the arrival of Kevin De Bruyne, alongside Scott McTominay and Stanislav Lobotka, but concerns linger as key striker Romelu Lukaku faces a thigh injury that may require surgery, sidelining him for several months. Inter Milan, led by new coach Cristian Chivu, aim to rebound after a trophyless season capped by a heavy Champions League final defeat, relying on the strike partnership of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram. Serie A remains Europe's most unpredictable top league, with four different champions over six seasons and a highly competitive title race that last season was decided by a single point. Other notable changes include Massimiliano Allegri's return to AC Milan, Gian Piero Gasperini's move to Roma, and Maurizio Sarri's return to Lazio, while several World Cup-winning coaches now manage Serie A clubs. The close competition and recent coaching shifts set the stage for an exciting and uncertain season.