As Cristiano Ronaldo embarked on a new challenge in Italy’s top flight with Juventus, perhaps he did not imagine that his first outing in the famous black and white stripes would be at one of Italy’s most unglamourous clubs. After what has seemed like endless waiting, Serie A announced their fixture list on Thursday evening, with the Bianconeri – having won the title for the last seven seasons running – facing Chievo Verona away from home on August 19th.
The “Flying Donkeys” played in front of an average of 11,886 supporters at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi last term, but a much bigger turnout is to be expected with CR7 in town. Meanwhile, newly-appointed Bologna boss Pippo Inzaghi will face his brother and Lazio Coach Simone on Boxing Day after the league changed the date of their traditional Winter Break for 2018/19.
“The special match? For me they will all be special, but clearly Bologna-Lazio on 26 December has a particularly interesting flavour,” admitted Pippo when asked about the clash with his brother. “For me and my family it will be an exciting Christmas.”
The eagerly awaited Derby della Madonnina between Inter and AC Milan will be played on October 21st with the Nerazzurri at home and the reverse on March 17th, and the Derby della Lanterna consisting of Sampdoria and Genoa will be hosted by the latter on November 25, the return leg on April 14th.
Rome’s Derby della Capitale sees the Giallorossi host their rivals Lazio on September 30th and March 3rd in reverse, while the Derby della Mole between Juve and Torino will be played on 16th December at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino and in front of the Old Lady’s home supporters on May 5th.
New Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti faces a baptism of fire after returning to the Italian top-flight for the first time since 2009, with an extremely tough opening five fixtures. The Partenopei will take on Lazio away from home on the opening day, followed by Milan at home, Sampdoria away, Fiorentina at home and Torino away. This will be a crucial time not only in which to keep pace with title favourites Juventus, but also to earn the confidence of the fans after the well-loved Maurizio Sarri was allowed to move to Chelsea.
“We have an objectively difficult start,” Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis admitted on the club’s official website. “I don’t think it’s appropriate to worry though, because I’m optimistic about the world we’re doing with Ancelotti. “With Carlo we want to create a new era, not just for Napoli but for Italian football.”
Bianconeri supporters will have their first chance to see Ronaldo up close when Juve are pitted against Lazio in their first match of the season at Juventus Stadium on August 26th, an occasion undoubtedly of interest to the world’s media. Parma, Empoli and Frosinone may seem tiny in comparison to the Turin giants, however their return to the league will bring some much-anticipated colour to what promises to be yet another thrilling campaign on the peninsula.
