Italy’s top football division, Serie A, has launched its 2024/25 season, marking another chapter in the league’s 126-year history. This season sees 20 teams competing for the Scudetto, with the top four securing Champions League spots.
As we review the opening weekend’s action, we’ll see how the teams have started their campaigns, and what it might mean for the season ahead.
Serie A Matchday 1: Our Recap of All Matches
Genoa 2-2 Inter
The reigning Serie A champions, Inter, kicked off their title defence with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against newly-promoted Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris. Genoa struck first through Vogliacco, stunning the visitors early on. However, Inter’s Marcus Thuram quickly made his presence felt, scoring in both halves to turn the game on its head. The French forward engaged in a game-long contest with Genoa goalkeeper Gollini.
Just as it seemed Inter would leave with all three points, a handball by Bisseck gave Genoa a lifeline, and former Milan winger Junior Messias, playing as a striker, stepped up to convert the penalty and secure a memorable draw for the Grifone. This result sets up intriguing fixtures for both teams in the next round, with Genoa visiting Monza and Inter hosting Lecce at San Siro.
Parma 1-1 Fiorentina
Parma and Fiorentina began their Serie A campaigns with a closely contested 1-1 draw at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. The home side dominated the first half, creating numerous chances before finally breaking the deadlock through Man. However, Fiorentina showed resilience and grew into the game after the interval. Their improved second-half performance was rewarded when captain Cristiano Biraghi equalised with a well-executed free-kick.
In the closing stage of the match, Fiorentina’s Pongracic received a red card, reducing the visitors to ten men. Parma tried to capitalise on their numerical advantage, with Cyprien coming agonisingly close to snatching a late winner. Both teams will view this as a solid start to their seasons, with Parma set to host Milan next, while Fiorentina prepare for their home debut against Venezia.
Milan 2-2 Torino
San Siro witnessed a classic tale of two halves as AC Milan extended their unbeaten home record against Torino to 29 matches with a 2-2 draw. The visitors impressed in the opening period, racing to a two-goal lead and looking full value for their advantage. However, the Rossoneri’s fighting spirit was strong in the second half, mounting a comeback in the last minutes that thrilled the home crowd.
Milan’s dominance was reflected in the shot count, outshooting Torino 26-7 over the course of the match. Despite this statistical advantage, they had to settle for a point, a result that will feel like two points dropped given their second-half performance. Torino, on the other hand, will rue their inability to hold onto their lead but will take heart from their strong first-half showing away at one of Serie A’s giants. Milan visit Parma next, while Torino face another tough test against Atalanta.
Empoli 0-0 Monza
The Stadio Carlo Castellani hosted a tightly contested affair as Empoli and Monza played out a goalless draw. Despite the lack of goals, the match was not short on action, particularly from the home side. Empoli created the lion’s share of chances, with Gyasi coming closest in the first half with a powerful effort that forced a fine save from Monza’s goalkeeper Pizzignacco. The visitors had their moments too, with Caldirola spurning a golden opportunity in the 74th minute, firing over from close range.
As the match wore on, Empoli continued to press for a winner. Colombo threatened with a near-miss in the 76th minute, and ten minutes from time, Solbakken forced another crucial save from Pizzignacco. While both teams will be satisfied with a point to start their campaigns, Empoli may feel they did enough to claim all three. The result sets up interesting fixtures for both sides in the next round, with Empoli travelling to face Roma and Monza hosting Genoa.
Verona 3-0 Napoli
In the shock result of the opening weekend, Hellas Verona stunned Napoli with a 3-0 victory at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi. The match defied expectations, with the home side delivering a masterclass in efficient football. Despite Napoli dominating possession, it was Verona who made their chances count. All three goals came in what proved to be an exhilarating second half, first from Livramento then twice from Mosquera, leaving the Partenopei shell-shocked.
This result marked the first time in three years that Verona had scored three goals against Napoli, coinciding with their last win over the southern Italian giants. The victory will boost Verona’s confidence as they prepare to host Juventus in their next fixture, while Napoli will need to regroup quickly as they face Bologna, looking to recover from this unexpected loss.
Bologna 1-1 Udinese
The Stadio Renato Dall’Ara witnessed a thrilling encounter as Bologna and Udinese shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Bologna took the lead through Riccardo Orsolini, who converted from the penalty spot. However, their joy was short-lived as Udinese’s Gianetti equalised with a powerful header from a corner delivered by Brenner.
Bologna pressed hard for a winner in the closing stages, with Udinese goalkeeper Okoye producing several crucial saves. The Nigerian shot-stopper reserved his best for last, pulling off an incredible stop to deny Orsolini from point-blank range. Both teams will take positives from this hard-fought draw as they look ahead to their next fixtures — Bologna with Napoli, Udinese with Lazio.
Cagliari 0-0 Roma
In a match of few clear-cut chances, Cagliari and Roma played out a goalless draw at the Unipol Domus. The first half was a cagey affair, with only one shot on target registered by the home side. However, the game came to life after the break, with both teams creating opportunities to break the deadlock. Roma dominated possession and came closest to scoring when Dovbyk struck the woodwork. Not to be outdone, Cagliari’s Marin also hit the frame of the goal in a rare foray forward.
Despite the lack of goals, the match provided an intriguing tactical battle, with Roma unable to break down Cagliari’s resolute defence. The result leaves both teams still searching for their first win of the season, with Cagliari set to host Como next, while Roma prepare to welcome Empoli to the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio 3-1 Venezia
Lazio commenced their Serie A campaign with a 3-1 victory over Venezia at the Stadio Olimpico. The visitors stunned the home crowd by taking an early lead through Andersen. However, Lazio’s quality soon shone through, with Castellanos and Zaccagni both finding the net to give the Biancocelesti a 2-1 lead at half-time. The second half saw Marco Baroni’s men control proceedings, managing the game effectively while still pushing for more goals. Their dominance was rewarded when an unfortunate Altare own goal put the result beyond doubt.
Venezia’s organised defence was ultimately unable to contain Lazio’s attacking prowess. This positive start will boost Lazio’s confidence as they prepare for a tricky away fixture at Udinese, while Venezia will hope to bounce back when they visit Fiorentina.
Lecce 0-4 Atalanta
Atalanta sent a clear message to their Serie A rivals with a commanding 4-0 away victory over Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare. After a tentative opening half-hour where Lecce held their own, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side found their rhythm and never looked back. The goals came in pairs, with both Retegui and Brescianini netting twice — once in each half.
Lecce, for their part, started brightly but faded dramatically after the 30-minute mark, unable to cope with Atalanta’s fluid attacking play. The result is particularly impressive given Atalanta’s injury list. This performance keeps La Dea’s confidence high as they prepare to face Torino, while Lecce must regroup quickly before their challenging away fixture at Inter.
Juventus 3-0 Como
Juventus began their Serie A campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Como at the Allianz Stadium. After a tense opening period, the deadlock was broken by a moment of individual brilliance from Mbangula. The youngster cut in from the left flank before finding the bottom right corner with a well-placed shot. The Bianconeri doubled their advantage just before half-time, courtesy of a thunderous strike from Timothy Weah. The American latched onto a pass from Yildiz and smashed the ball home off the underside of the crossbar.
Juventus maintained their dominance in the second half, with Dusan Vlahovic having a goal disallowed for offside. The third goal eventually came late in the game, as Mbangula’s assist found Cambiaso, who finished with aplomb. This victory sends a strong message to Juventus’ title rivals and sets them up nicely for their next fixture, an away trip to Verona. Como is set to face Cagliari.
Serie A Matchday 2: Upcoming Fixtures
Saturday, August 24
- Parma vs Milan
- Udinese vs Lazio
- Inter vs Lecce
- Monza vs Genoa
Sunday, August 25
- Fiorentina vs Venezia
- Torino vs Atalanta
- Napoli vs Bologna
- Roma vs Empoli
Monday, August 26
- Cagliari vs Como
- Verona vs Juventus
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