Serie A Opening Round: Inter Milan Faces a Stiff Challenge, AC Milan Meets Torino Amid Change

The 2023-24 Serie A season kicked off on August 18, bringing with it a fresh wave of excitement and anticipation. Defending champions Inter Milan and their city rivals AC Milan both face intriguing challenges in the first round. Inter, under Simone Inzaghi, meets a Genoa side that proved a tough nut to crack last season. Meanwhile, AC Milan, now under new leadership, takes on Torino, a team known for its defensive solidity but currently in a state of transition.

Genoa vs. Inter Milan – A Meeting of Successful Managers

Inter Milan enters the new season with the confidence of a team that dominated the previous campaign. They clinched the Scudetto with an emphatic lead of 19 points over second-placed AC Milan, the second-largest margin in Serie A history. Inter’s superiority was not only reflected in their domestic performance but also in their comprehensive sweep of the Milan Derby, winning all six encounters across various competitions—a historic achievement.

Much of this success can be attributed to the tactical acumen of Simone Inzaghi, who has proven himself as one of Italy’s finest managers. Under his guidance, Inter’s dynamic attack, led by the prolific duo of Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram, became unstoppable. Inzaghi's ability to recognize and nurture talent has been instrumental, and his signings have consistently delivered, with Martínez and Thuram being prime examples.

This summer, despite financial constraints and the departure of key players, Inter managed to reinforce their squad effectively. The acquisition of Italy international Davide Frattesi, who impressed during his loan spell at Sassuolo last season, is one of the most exciting moves. Frattesi, now Inter’s most expensive summer signing, is expected to play a crucial role in their title defense. Additionally, the return of veteran striker Marko Arnautović adds depth to their attack, particularly with the demands of a busy season ahead.

Genoa, on the other hand, is led by Alberto Gilardino, a former World Cup winner who has quickly established himself as a capable manager. After taking over in 2022, Gilardino guided Genoa back to Serie A and secured a comfortable mid-table finish last season, exceeding expectations. Genoa’s ability to fight back from losing positions, accumulating 18 points from such situations last season, was a testament to Gilardino’s tactical nous and his team’s resilience.

However, Genoa faces uncertainty this season following the departures of key players, including their starting goalkeeper and striker. Gilardino’s tactical battle with Inzaghi will be fascinating, particularly given their shared history at AC Milan and the Italian national team, where they once played together. Last season, Genoa managed to hold Inter to a draw at home, a result that highlighted Gilardino’s psychological edge in such encounters. In this match, Genoa will aim to frustrate Inter once again, potentially limiting their attacking opportunities.

AC Milan vs. Torino – Foreign Coach Takes the Helm in Milan

AC Milan enters the new season with renewed hope but also with significant questions. Despite improving their points tally to 75 last season, five more than the previous campaign, they were no match for Inter’s relentless charge to the title. The fallout was harsh for Stefano Pioli, who was dismissed amid criticism despite his efforts to steady the ship. The chaos of the off-season, marked by the departure of sporting director Paolo Maldini and the failure to secure key transfer targets like Marcus Thuram, did not help Pioli’s cause.

The arrival of new head coach Paulo Fonseca has raised eyebrows. The Portuguese manager is tasked with reviving Milan’s fortunes, a challenge made more daunting by the club’s recent history of managerial turnover. Milan’s last Serie A title under a foreign coach dates back to the 1978-79 season under Nils Liedholm, highlighting the scale of the task ahead for Fonseca.

Milan’s transfer strategy this summer has been cautious, focusing on value signings rather than big-name acquisitions. The most notable addition is Spanish international Álvaro Morata, who, despite his modest transfer fee, brings a wealth of experience and is expected to spearhead Milan’s attack. Morata’s decision to join Milan, likely influenced by the club’s rich history and their participation in the UEFA Champions League, offers a glimmer of hope to fans wary of their rivals’ spending power.

Meanwhile, Torino, known for their gritty, defensive style, have also undergone significant changes. Over the past three seasons, Torino has consistently finished in the middle of the table, frustrating stronger teams with their solid defense. Last season, they had the fourth-fewest goals conceded and scored, making them a tough team to break down.

However, the departure of coach Ivan Jurić, the architect of Torino’s defensive solidity, and the sale of star center-back Alessandro Buongiorno to Napoli, have raised concerns about their ability to maintain their defensive strength. Torino’s style might evolve under new management, potentially making them more vulnerable at the back.

In last season’s encounters, both Milan and Torino won their respective home games. Notably, Milan was the only team to score four or more goals against Torino in a single match, showcasing their attacking potential. As they begin a new chapter under Fonseca, Milan will hope to capitalize on Torino’s transitional phase and secure a convincing victory at home. However, Torino's reputation for being a tough nut to crack means Milan cannot afford to take anything for granted.

As the Serie A season unfolds, these opening fixtures will offer early insights into the trajectory of both Milan clubs. Inter Milan’s quest to defend their title begins with a challenging away match, while AC Milan embarks on a new era under Fonseca, hoping to reclaim their status among Italy’s elite. The outcomes of these matches could set the tone for the rest of the season, making them must-watch encounters for fans and pundits alike.