Serie A returns as Juve jostle Udinese and AC Milan vie with Viola

Meanwhile, in Tuscany, it has also been a summer of change for hosts Fiorentina and guests AC Milan. Both begin their campaigns with new coaches, as Viola bid goodbye to Vincenzo Montella, with former Swansea City coach Paulo Sousa taking over the reins, while Sinisa Mihajlovic replaced Rossoneri playing hero Pippo Inzaghi at the San Siro.

Fiorentina are always tough cookies on home turf, so are 10/11 favourites for the win at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. The Viola do, in fact, have an excellent recent record against the Rossoneri, having only lost one of their last eight encounters against the Milanese men.

So, the challenge for new coach Mihajlovic, is to see off his side’s bogey team in a tough start away from home, which the former set-piece specialist is 14/5 to do. Though, considering AC only managed one point against Viola last term, a draw at 5/2 would be a respectable result.

Expectations for the fallen giants are sky high this season after a summer of spending, however, so there are again plenty of tempting scorer markets to choose from.

The brilliant signing of Carlos Bacca (13/2 to draw first blood), a recent Europa League winner with former side Sevilla, can only be bettered by fellow new recruit Luiz Adriano, who is a nifty 9/4 anytime shout, while midfield addition Andrea Bertolacci is a 14/5 chance to bag on his bow.

For Fiorentina, take odds of 9/2 for returning goal threat Giuseppe Rossi to grab the first, or back young-gun Khouma Babacar at 6/1 to have the final say.

Betting tip: back potent Bacca at 13/2 bring his scoring boots and strike first