Serie A Matchday 2 arrives with plenty of intrigue as Italy’s biggest clubs look to build early
momentum, while ambitious challengers attempt to make their mark. With new coaches, new
signings and renewed title ambitions across the division, another weekend of drama awaits.
Milan open the round on Friday night when they welcome Venezia to San Siro. The Rossoneri will
be eager to make home advantage count as they look to establish themselves among the early
contenders, while Venezia will aim to frustrate their hosts and produce an early surprise.
Saturday brings three simultaneous fixtures before Juventus close the evening against Parma. The
Turin giants will be under pressure to set the tone in what promises to be another important
season, with Luciano Spalletti overseeing a squad built to challenge for honours.
One of the intriguing additions is Jhon Lucumi, whose physical presence and competitive edge
have caught the eye of his new coach. Spalletti believes the Colombian brings something that
Juventus have been missing.
“Lucumi has this drive, this physicality that we could really do with,” explained the Juve boss. “It’s a
very South American thing, they call it garra, where the character is imposed on the game.”
Juventus will need that character against a Parma side capable of making life uncomfortable,
particularly if the hosts fail to establish control early.
Earlier on Saturday, Sassuolo face Torino, Fiorentina meet Frosinone and Monza host Udinese,
offering a chance for several teams to collect valuable early points and build confidence.
Sunday features two of the weekend’s biggest fixtures. Napoli welcome Como in a meeting that
pits established Serie A pedigree against one of Italian football’s most ambitious rising projects.
Como’s transformation has accelerated under Cesc Fabregas, and the club’s recruitment reflects
their desire to compete at a higher level.
Among the arrivals is former Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, who revealed the influence
Fabregas had on his decision to move to Italy.
“He was a massive part. He explained what he wanted, the way he sees the club and how he sees
me fitting into this club and how I can help – having a lot of experience, physicality as well, the
leadership.”
Chalobah admitted the decision required considerable thought, but the direction of the club
ultimately convinced him.
“It wasn’t an overnight thing, it was a very thoughtful and hard decision. But I thought, as I said, the
trajectory of this club and the direction it’s going in, and speaking to the manager, and wanting to
be part of this story.”
He added: “I’m really excited for this new chapter in my beautiful story that I’ve had so far.”
Elsewhere on Sunday, Inter travel to Cagliari in a match that will offer Cristian Chivu another
opportunity to shape his side. The Inter coach has already found himself at the centre of intense
scrutiny, but remains defiant amid the noise.
“It has become a media pillory from every point of view, for Inter and for a player. That’s where the
narrative changes… If we’re at this point in the season and someone doesn’t like what I say, that’s
not my problem.”
Lazio host Genoa in the other Sunday fixture, before Monday brings two more fascinating contests.
Lecce welcome Roma, while Atalanta face Bologna in Bergamo.
From the title contenders to ambitious newcomers, Matchday 2 offers an early glimpse of the
battles that could define another compelling Serie A campaign.
Broadcast details (Times CAT)
Serie A: Matchday 2
Friday 28 August
20:45: Milan v Venezia – LIVE on SuperSport Football
Saturday 29 August
18:30: Sassuolo v Torino – LIVE on SuperSport Events
18:30: Fiorentina v Frosinone – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and
SuperSport Maximo 360
18:30: Monza v Udinese – LIVE on SuperSport Football Plus
20:45: Juventus v Parma – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport
Maximo 360
Sunday 30 August
18:30: Napoli v Como – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport
Maximo 360
20:45: Cagliari v Inter – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport
Maximo 360
20:45: Lazio v Genoa – LIVE on SuperSport Football Plus
Monday 31 August
18:30: Lecce v Roma – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and SuperSport
Maximo 360
20:45: Atalanta v Bologna – LIVE on SuperSport Football, SuperSport Africa 2 and
SuperSport Maximo 360
