The Serie A title race last season was one of the tightest in recent years, with Juventus ultimately coming out tops. Expect this season to be another thriller, with new leadership at the Old Lady and Antonio Conte’s Inter now a settled team.

The first matchday sees Inter and Atalanta sit out after their European exploits, while Lazio are also out of action. This gives their rivals at and near the top of the table time to steal a march on them.

We have selected five Matchday 1 fixtures which we reckon could each be a punter’s dream.

Hellas Verona v AS Roma (Saturday – 20:45)

Last season was far from Roma’s best, but they did at least offer up plenty of entertainment. Their last nine Serie A games have all seen over 2.5 goals.

At the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, they will be up against a Verona side which has seen over 2.5 in each of their last three league matches.

There is no reason to believe from off-season reinforcements that the start of this season will be particularly different to the end of last. Indeed, Pedro’s arrival from Chelsea adds further attacking strength to Roma. Expect plenty of goals in this one.

Suggested Bet: Over 2.5 goals at 1.80

Parma v Napoli (Sunday – 12:30)

2019-20 was a rollercoaster ride for Napoli, and with Victor Osimhen now on board, expect the goals to flow.

They will begin the season up against a Parma side which has seen goals at both ends in each of their last 13 league games. Napoli, meanwhile, have seen BTTS in eight of their last 10 competitive fixtures.

With BTTS Yes available at 0.64, this is an offer you can’t afford to miss.

Suggested Bet: BTTS Yes at 1.64

Genoa v Crotone (Sunday – 15:00)

Genoa have won three of their last four home Serie A matches. A defeat to Inter Milan has been the only blemish. There is value in backing them to extend their run at home to newly-promoted Crotone.

If reports are to be believed, Genoa are making serious moves in the transfer market. They have been linked with all and sundry from Jack Wilshere to Danny Rose to Juan Jesus and Antonio Sanabria.

Against a team which was inconsistent away from home even in Serie B last season, Rolando Maran’s men are likely to get the new campaign off to a winning start.

Suggested Bet: Genoa Win at 1.95

Juventus v Sampdoria (Sunday – 20:45)

Star-studded Juventus are undoubtedly still smarting after their UEFA Champions League humiliation at the hands of Lyon. They will be eager to get the new era under Andrea Pirlo off to a flying start.

The Allianz Stadium offers them the perfect opportunity as they take on Sampdoria in their opening fixture. A decent outfit as they may be, Samp have struggled against the big teams recently. July saw them lose 2-0 to Atalanta and Juve and 4-1 to AC Milan.

The value is with a big Juventus win in this fixture as the defending champions look to put the pressure on their title rivals from the get-go.

Suggested Bet: Juventus -1 Handicap at 1.74

Milan v Bologna (Monday – 20:45)

AC Milan appears to be making up lost ground to Juventus and Inter Milan at long last. Unbeaten in Serie A since it restarted in June, the Rossoneri have won nine and drawn three of their 12 league matches since.

With Brahim Diaz, Sandro Tonali, Ciprian Tatarusanu and Ante Rebic already signed, Stefano Pioli has plenty to work with this season.

Bologna have lost their last three away league fixtures, including a 5-1 drubbing on their last visit to AC Milan at the San Siro. The value in backing Milan is immense here, with a win paying 0.52 and the -1 handicap market offering 1.35.

Suggested Bet: Milan -1 Handicap at 2.35