The first real test of the new Juventus arrives on Sunday when Gigi Del Neri’s side take on Bari.

Last year’s 3-1 defeat at Bari was the beginning of the end for Ciro Ferrara, as Juventus spiralled out of control, plummeting to their lowest finish for years. With a new President, a new Coach, a new director general and no fewer than seven new players, it has been a busy summer in Turin.

Whether Juventus have had enough time to gel remains to be seen, but Bari will be ready to exploit any uncertainty. Giampiero Ventura’s well-organised side is relatively unchanged from the one that surprised many last season.

The first major talking point will come when Leonardo Bonucci steps out at the San Nicola having established his reputation while playing there last season. The 23-year-old’s performances earned him a call-up to Italy’s World Cup squad and paved the way for a €15.5m move to Juventus.

Whether he shows any nerves on his return remains to be seen, but there is a sense that the Bari fans will give him a relatively warm welcome, Juventus permitting.

The Bianconeri have overcome the likes of Shamrock and Sturm Graz in competitive pre-season games, but Bari represent another acid test, and perhaps a more important one, to determine the team’s standing in Serie A.

Bari were no slouches last season when they came up from Serie B. Ventura’s side showed no fear in their first game back in the top flight taking the fight to Jose Mourinho’s Inter and coming away with a 1-1 draw.

The Galletti took eight points off the big three in 2009-10 and never lost to them at home in Serie A, underlining their status as a revelation.

Keep an eye on: Milos Krasic (Juventus) – Up till now, the Serbia international winger is arguably Juventus’ most exciting signing of the transfer window. Krasic’s speed made him one of the most attractive commodities of the summer, but he turned down the millions of Manchester City to join a club of greater prestige like Juventus.

Last five in Serie A: Bari (- - - - -) Juventus (- - - - -)

Last season: Bari 3-1 Juventus

Top tip: Bari striker Paulo Barreto scored in eight consecutive games last season, including against Juventus at the San Nicola. His elusive play will test former teammate Leonardo Bonucci.

Stat fact: Jean-Francois Gillet, the Bari goalkeeper, made the most number of saves in Serie A last season, parrying no fewer than 139 shots.

Chievo and Catania kick off their campaigns at the Bentegodi with new bosses in both dugouts.

For Chievo Coach Stefano Pioli this is second chance Sunday, having been fired from his only prior Serie A engagement with Parma in 2007. Since then he has impressed with his work for Serie B outfits Grosseto, Piacenza and Sassuolo – who he took to the play-offs last season. Consequently Chievo benefactor Luca Campedelli had no qualms about giving Pioli another bash at the top flight, selecting the 44-year-old to replace Mimmo Di Carlo in June.

Stepping into Sinisa Mihajlovic’s shoes at Catania is Marco Giampaolo. He has long been touted as one of the finest young Italian Coaches, receiving praise from the likes of Fabio Capello, but his actual record doesn’t support such claims.

In recent years he has been sacked three times, twice by Cagliari and once by Siena. The Swiss born tactician’s only real success was getting Ascoli promoted in 2005 and guiding them to a 12th place finish in Serie A. Still, he’s only 43, there’s plenty of time for him to rediscover that managerial magic.

In terms of objectives for the season ahead Catania can afford to be more ambitious. Under Mihajlovic’s stewardship they were one of the top teams in the second half of last season, and if they can replicate that form a top 10 finish, or even a Europa League berth, could be within reach. Their most significant new signing is – surprise, surprise – another Argentine, winger Alejandro Gomez.

As ever Chievo’s one and only objective is survival, and they should be able to achieve it fairly comfortably. The Gialloblu have recruited Slovenian World Cup star Bostjan Cesar and youth Marco Andreolli, formerly of Inter and Roma, to compensate for the loss of defensive stalwart Mario Yepes. Other new arrivals include South Americans Roberto Guana and Mariano Bogliacino, whose industry will be welcome in midfield.

Chievo are without the injured Marcos De Paula and Luca Ariatti. Catania’s in demand midfielder Marco Biagianti is suspended.

Keep an eye on: Maxi Lopez (Catania) – Catania beat Lazio to the former Barca forward’s signing last January and he repaid them with 11 goals in 17 games. The Etnei have done well to hold on to him amid interest from bigger clubs, and with a pre-season under his belt you can expect Maxi to be even more deadly this term.

Last five in Serie A: Chievo (- - - - -) Catania (- - - - -)

Last season: Chievo 1-1 Catania

Top tip: Chievo are over-reliant on Sergio Pellisser to score their goals, likewise Catania with Maxi Lopez, so expect to see one or both of their names on the scoresheet.

Stat fact: There are no less than 12 Argentines on Catania’s roster. Catania also doomed Chievo to relegation with a 2-0 win on the last day of the 2006-07 season.

Two of the most dangerous and ambitious members of the chasing pack clash in the opening weekend’s most appetising fixture.

Both these clubs are intent on qualifying for the Champions League, and both have the ability to do so. Napoli weren’t far away last season, and although Fiorentina floundered in mid-table they proved their continental calibre by reaching the second round of Europe’s premier competition, beating Liverpool twice along the way.

It’s a season of transition for the Viola as they try to adapt to a new man in the dugout, Cesare Prandelli’s glorious five year reign having come to a close when he left for La Nazionale earlier this summer. Sinisa Mihajlovic replaces him.

Sporting director Pantaleo Corvino hasn’t been quite as busy as usual on the transfer market, bringing in just three new players – Artur Boruc, Alessio Cerci and Gaetano D’Agostino. Boruc will warm the bench unless Sebastian Frey is injured, although D’Agostino should make a classy contribution in central midfield.

The Gigliati’s prospects depend largely on Mihajlovic. Owners Diego and Andrea Della Valle have gambled by appointing such a young and inexperienced boss, even if the Serb did make quite an impression with Catania last term.

Stability is the order of the day for Napoli, as they commence the campaign with the same manager and largely the same players from last year. They’ve only made one real addition to their squad, but what an impressive capture it was. The Vesuviani trumped richer and more famous clubs to sign Edinson Cavani from Palermo.

‘El Matador’ might be the missing ingredient needed to take Walter Mazzarri’s side to the next level. The cultured Cavani is much more than a mere targetman, but Mazzarri will be pleased to have someone in that vein, having seen big men Marcelo Zalayeta and German Denis fail to impress.

Fiorentina’s injury list contains Mario Santana, Adem Ljajic and the unfortunate Stevan Jovetic, who won’t be back for seven months. Alessandro Gamberini is banned and Adrian Mutu’s suspension for taking prohibited substances doesn’t end until October.

Napoli’s Luigi Vitale is injured and teammate Michele Pazienza is suspended.

Keep an eye on: Edinson Cavani (Napoli) – Mazzarri has taken the softly softly approach to integrating Cavani into the side, but the Uruguayan is surely too good to be restrained for much longer. Cavani netted 34 times during his spell in Sicily, and he’s still only 23!

Last five in Serie A: Fiorentina (- - - - -) Napoli (- - - - -)

Last season: Fiorentina 0-1 Napoli

Top tip: Napoli to start the season in style by repeating last year’s result – a 1-0 win at the Franchi.

Stat fact: Both these sides won at each others’ grounds last season. It was 1-0 to Napoli at the Artemio Franchi, and 3-1 to Fiorentina at the San Paolo.

Milan welcome newcomers Lecce to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza for the first game of the season, but the Rossoneri will have their minds on someone else – Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Milan have been so focused on the negotiations for Ibra that they seem to have forgotten that there is a game to be played this Sunday. During the summer, the Rossoneri have limited their expenses but the arrival of the Barcelona player could change things radically.

“I spoke with Zlatan and he gave me his word about coming to Milan,” said Adriano Galliani following the friendly match against Barcelona at the Nou Camp. “Still it’s a long road ahead, I’d say the chances of Milan signing the player are 50 per cent.”

In the meantime, Massimiliano Allegri seems to be the only one who cares about Lecce. “We played a good game against Barca but have to improve a lot, especially at the back. Against Lecce I want to see better things.”

Lecce returned to Serie A following a superb campaign in the Cadetti. The Giallorossi have changed a lot in the transfer market and will not be able to field their buy of the summer – Ernesto Chevanton. The Uruguayan accepted a €300,000 yearly wage in order to come back to Puglia even though he was on €1.8m at Sevilla.

“I am so looking forward to this debut game,” revealed Daniele Corvia, last year’s top-scorer with 17 goals. “Chevanton and I can form a good partnership, so I am excited about his arrival here in Lecce.”

Allegri will field a 4-3-1-2 formation against Lecce, with Marco Borriello starting up front. Sokratis Papastathopoulos is expected to start at right-back while Kevin Boateng’s first minute debut may be delayed.

Luigi De Canio is yet unsure regarding the strategy he will be using. Ruben Olivera is suspended so the Gialloblu may be starting with a 4-4-1-1 formation. Newly signed Ignacio Piatti could make his Serie A debut and Milan should watch out from him, he has the potential to be as good as Javier Pastore.

Keep an eye on: Alexandre Pato (Milan) – The Brazilian starlet has had some injury problems but has done everything possible to be ready for this game. Il Papero has to prove a point this term after a relatively disappointing last season. Lecce are already in his line of fire.

Last five in Serie A: Milan (- - - - -) Lecce (- - - - -)

Last season: Not played

Top tip: Lecce to cause a few problems but Milan to take the three points.

Stat fact: Lecce have been defeated in their last six visits to San Siro. In four of those occasions the margin was always of three goals.

Serie A kicks off as Palermo welcome Cagliari to the Stadio Barbera in a derby between Sicily and Sardinia. The Rosanero faced Maribor in the Europa League in midweek and are looking for a successful debut in the campionato too.

The Sicilians have been pretty active in the transfer market. The departures of Simon Kjaer and Edinson Cavani have been covered by the signings of Ezequiel Munoz, Mauricio Pinilla and Massimo Maccarone.

“I am confident we will be able to repeat last year’s run,” claimed defender Federico Balzaretti. “We will have to avoid a slow start though because this will make the difference in the long term.”

It has been a busy summer for Cagliari too. Pierpaolo Bisoli was appointed and he has had to deal with several issues. Federico Marchetti is transfer listed and will not be playing. Robert Acquafresca and Alex Pinardi have strengthened their squad.

“I have picked a nice group of players,” revealed Bisoli, who led Cesena to promotion last term. “I have been working on giving this team a strong identity and I believe we have done well so far.”

The Sicilians will be missing Fabrizio Miccoli and Dorin Goian, who are injured and will be out for a month at least. Delio Rossi is unsure whether to field Munoz or Glik at the back. Maccarone instead should be playing up front ahead of Pinilla. Big Mac has been in great shape lately and he seems to create a perfect partnership with Abel Hernandez.

Michael Agazzi will take the gloves for the Rossoblu, who will be missing Daniele Ragatzu, suspended following a friendly match scuffle against Bastia. Alessandro Agostini is also definitely out for this one while Daniele Conti is not 100 per cent fit.

Lorenzo Ariaudo should start at left-back even though he is more suited to a central position. Bisoli could leave Acquafresca on the bench and opt for a 4-3-2-1 with Alessandro Matri on his own up front.

Keep an eye on: Javier Pastore (Palermo) – The Argentine starlet has been in great form lately and inspired Palermo in Europe. He is set to be this season’s revelation.

Last five in Serie A: Palermo (- - - - -) Cagliari (- - - - -)

Last season: Palermo 2-1 Cagliari

Top tip: Home win with handicap.

Stat fact: Palermo were successful in the last season’s League debut as they beat Napoli 2-1 at the Barbera.

Parma have had a busy summer, bringing in a host of new faces to the Tardini at the same time as seeing a fair few depart. The most notable and drawn out arrival was that of Juventus’ Sebasitan Giovinco, the 23-year-old joining Hernan Crespo and Valeri Bojinov in a strike-force with plenty to prove between them after recent disappointments.

Pasquale Marino has been playing pre-season with two clear patterns on the field, a 3-4-3 and a 4-3-3 and will look to utilise both during the campaign. In an otherwise less than convincing pre-season campaign, he will look to Milan youth product Luca Antonelli, Spanish journeyman Fernando Marques and Giovinco to transfer their promising form to the opening stages of Serie A for a side who started last season strongly – they were seventh by October 1.

Parma are without Daniele Galloppa for five months after surgery on the anterior ligament of his left knee, whilst the Ducali have lost experienced centre-back Paolo Castellini to Roma. Blerim Dzemaili is a slight doubt after picking up a knock on his ankle earlier in the week.

Brescia travel to the Tardini with expectations low, but hopes renewed after recent late work in the transfer window saw the triple arrival of playmakers Panagiotis Kone and Alessandro Diamanti alongside Brazilian striker Eder.

Courted by a number of clubs, Eder’s arrival boosts the Rondinelle strike-force that, now combined, netted 60 goals between them last season in Serie B. Diamanti and Kone are both attacking midfielders with a spark of creativity required to unlock the tough defences Brescia will come up against.

Interestingly, Diamanti has Parma to thank for his move to Brescia, with the Emilia-Romagna side set to sign the player themselves before withdrawing interest upon securing Giovinco, freeing the West Ham player for negotiations with Giuseppe Iachini’s team. With Andrea Caracciolo struggling with a thigh injury in training, Eder or Diamanti could be set for an early debut on Sunday.

Indeed, Iachini has spoken of the need for the new arrivals to bed in immediately if Brescia are to stand any chance of getting something from their opening games “because in Serie A, if you leave half a metre or miss a pass, you will be punished with goals,” and in this weekend’s opponents, there are goals.

Keep an eye on: Luca Antonelli (Parma) – The 23-year-old full-back has impressed in pre-season and looks set to continue his rise through the game. He has attracted the interest of champions Inter and is part of the reason Marino goes into the season confident of two formations due to his versatility and successful impact in both so far.

Last five in Serie A: Parma (- - - - -) Brescia (- - - - -)

Last season: Not played

Top tip: Both teams look set to play attacking tridents up front and to field attackers with plenty to prove, so expect goals.

Stat fact: Fans initially didn’t recognise a newly shaven-headed Alessandro Diamanti when he joined his new teammates for a first training session as a Brescia player.

As Roma look to kick off 2010-11 in much the same vein they finished last season, their fans expect a reaction from last week’s defeat to Inter, whilst Coach Claudio Ranieri has called for the same humility and determination exerted last term.

Should Julio Sergio not prove his fitness, Ranieri faces his first quandary in whether to keep faith with Bogdan Lobont between the sticks after some poor form that culminated in last weekend’s shaky showing against Inter, or to bring in Alexander Doni.

Up top however, a second headache appears to have been avoided, with Adriano likely to miss the game, and up to a month, with a thigh injury. The Brazilian’s attitude in training caused concern amongst Roma’s management team and it was unclear if fit whether his first League game for the club would have been from the bench. As it is, Ranieri evades deciding between the former Inter man, Francesco Totti, Mirko Vucinic and Jeremy Menez for three places in attack.

In Cesena, Roma face an unknown quantity with limited resources. Having enjoyed successive promotions, the Cavallucci Marini’s rise from Serie C1 has been as unexpected to the club as to everyone else. The squad is light in numbers and experience and with Milan to follow in Week 2, little is expected of the Emilia-Romagna side.

Criticised over their transfer policy to date, Cesena will no doubt be nervous travelling to the Olimpico. This is Massimo Ficcadenti’s second foray into Serie A as a Coach after an unsuccessful spell in 2007-08 at Reggina where in 10 games he led the side to five draws and five defeats.

Ficcadenti’s first task will be to formulate a togetherness in a camp littered with loan signings and top-flight inexperience and rediscover the organisation within the group that they built last season’s success on. In Ezequiel Schelotto, Cesena also possess one of Italy’s young hopes, whilst Marco Parolo and Yuto Nagatomo have also caught eye.

If Ranieri goes with an aggressive team selection and Cesena lose their heads, this could be a heavily one-sided result, but stranger things have happened in football and as an unknown quantity and with Roma’s lack of confidence in their ‘keepers, anything is possible.

Keep an eye on: Jeremy Menez (Roma) – In fine form during pre-season, this is the young Frenchman’s opportunity to not only cement a place with the Giallorossi, but also with the French national team. Menez has the characteristics to become an exciting prospect. How he starts the campaign could indicate if he can find the consistency to match.

Last five in Serie A: Roma (- - - - -) Cesena (- - - - -)

Last season: Not played

Top tip: Expect a one-sided affair and Roma to come out comfortable winners by a two or three-goal advantage.

Stat fact: Away fans travelling to the game were only allowed to buy tickets if they owned a Cesena fan card, as part of the League’s new initiative to promote safety and organisation amongst travelling supporters.

Sampdoria must lift their spirits for their domestic seasonal opener at Marassi following their heartbreaking Champions League exit to Werder Bremen. Headed for the group stage of the prestigious event in injury time they conspired to let their German opponents back in before losing in extra-time. They will now either suffer a hangover or lash out at their Roman visitors.

The match will mark a Serie A debut on the Blucerchiati bench for Domenico Di Carlo, while young ‘keeper Gianluca Curci will make his League bow for the port side following his summer move from Siena. On a positive note striker Giampaolo Pazzini has already got his tally for the term rolling with his brace on Tuesday against Werder – added to his away strike in the first leg.

However, if rumours are to be believed Pazzini may well be saying arrivederci to Baciccia after this encounter, with Juventus and Liverpool both keen to take him on following Samp’s failure to reach the CL.

Over at Lazio there have been no such European distractions so the Biancocelesti either start this match fresher than their rivals due to the extra pre-season rest, or creaky and slow out of the blocks compared to Samp – depending on your opinion.

What is for sure is that they have fared well on their recent travels, having avoided defeat in their last five away trips last term – and winning four of them. However, who was the last team to send them back on their coach tasting defeat? You guessed it, Samp.

Back in March 2010 it was a home win for Samp, although they had to do it from behind after Sergio Floccari gave Lazio a sixth minute lead. Ex-Roma midfielder Stefano Guberti haunted the Biancocelesti with an equaliser before Pazzini turned the game around before the interval.

The last time Lazio won against Samp was in September 2008, the last four meetings marking two wins for Doria and two draws. Lazio fans fondly recall the 1997-98 season, when they won both games with an aggregate deficit of 7-0.

Meanwhile, the 1995-96 season produced 15 goals in two games – a 3-3 tie in Genova and a 6-3 win for Lazio in Rome. Nostalgics will also recall the 3-3 tie that began the 1992-93 campaign – the first live game broadcast in the UK on Channel 4.

Emilson Cribari is suspended for Lazio for one match, but aside from the loss of the Brazilian defender both sides should have a full roster to pick from.

Keep an eye on: Hernanes (Lazio) – The latest hot property out of Brazil was chased by English giants Liverpool and Manchester United over the summer but eventually was snared by Lazio. We will soon find out if they have snatched a superstar, or if the English duo dodged a bullet.

Last five in Serie A: Sampdoria (- - - - -) Lazio (- - - - -)

Last season: Sampdoria 2-1 Lazio

Top tip: Nando Muslera to revert to his Serie A form rather than his World Cup heroics.

Stat fact: Former Roma product Gianluca Curci has conceded six goals against Lazio in the last two seasons while with Siena.

Two clubs looking to bounce back after relatively low-key campaigns in 2009-10 meet in Italy’s north-east. Undoubtedly the main focus will be on Genoa’s new recruits, most notably Luca Toni – who many feel has a point to prove after his disappointing stint with Roma.

Francesco Guidolin will be making his second debut on the Friuli bench as he begins another spell with the Bianconeri. He began his first reign with a 2-2 home draw against Genoa’s neighbours Sampdoria, this time he will be looking to take all three points.

The omens look good for Guidolin to at least get a point from this fixture, Udinese have not lost on the opening day since a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Messina back at the start of the 2006-07 campaign. By contrast, Genoa have won just one of their last three curtain-raisers.

Last time around it took a late double for the Friuli outfit, as Antonio Di Natale and Simone Pepe struck the winning goals in the final 10 minutes of the Week 6 encounter back in September 2009. Di Natale’s strike was his eighth of the season just six games into the Serie A season.

Historically Genoa have the upper-hand. In the last 10 meetings between the clubs they have won seven, including a 7-0 aggregate defecit in their two Serie A matches of 1993-94, while in 2007-08 they stuffed eight goals past the Zebrette in two top Division encounters.

It will be interesting to see how Di Natale, last term’s top scorer, fares on the opening day following recent rumours linking him with Juventus. While he reportedly told Udinese fans that he was staying put there have been rumblings that he is mulling the option over. Will that lead to a few heckles from the home support, or is Toto above reproach?

Genoa hand Serie A debuts to the Portuguese pair of Eduardo and Miguel Veloso, as well as Brazilian Rafinha, while Luca Toni makes his first official appearance in red and blue halves. For Udinese it will be the first time in Zebra stripes for Antonio Candreva since 2007. Meanwhile, Chilean midfielder Mauricio Isla is disqualified for the first two games of the season.

Keep an eye on: Eduardo (Genoa) – The biggest problem that Genoa had last term was conceding goals. The arrival of Portuguese No 1 Eduardo is meant to help solve that problem so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to Serie A.

Last five in Serie A: Udinese (- - - - -) Genoa (- - - - -)

Last season: Udinese 2-0 Genoa

Top tip: Antonio Di Natale to pick up where he left off and score the opener.

Stat fact: One of Luca Toni’s five Serie A goals for Roma last season came against Udinese.

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