We waited a long time, but maybe it was worth it. The first day of the championship (which in fact is the second or third after the surprising draw between Milan and Lazio and after the 3-1 victory for Napoli in Cesena) promises to give us a weekend full of passion, emotions and lots and lots of suspense. There would be many themes to analyze, but the one relating to debuts certainly stands out among all. From Luis Enrique to Gian Piero Gasperini, from Devis Mangia to the newly promoted Novara, there are so many first times. The top step of the podium (of emotions of course) will be taken by Juventus, who will experience two heart-pounding debuts: Antonio Conte, who will sit on the Juventus bench for the first time as a coach and the new stadium, which after the exciting inauguration ceremony last Thursday, the first official match will live within its walls (Sunday at 12.30). It will be Parma's turn to host, and everyone in Corso Galileo Ferraris hopes that the Gialloblù will not spoil the party. Yes, because Juve damned need to get off to a good start, to celebrate the new stadium in the best possible way, but above all to give an answer to the many doubts that hover over the Old Lady. The stars who walked the lawn of the "Juventus Stadium" (for now it's called that, pending the arrival of a sponsor) on Thursday evening reminded the world of what Juve is. Now, however, we need to see if even the new players will have received the message, or more simply if they will be able to carry the weight of a shirt that has never been so heavy on their shoulders. Parma, on the other hand, will come to Turin with nothing to lose and with an extra Giovinco, which is why the challenge promises to be very interesting.
Once the "lunch match" is over, it will be time for the afternoon binge. The key match at 15.00 will be played at the Olimpico stadium in Rome, where the Giallorossi will receive Ficcadenti's Cagliari. The match is not a cartel match, but the controversies that have literally shocked the city in recent days make it truly tantalizing. The Olimpico has already experienced the first setback of the season with the elimination from the Europa League, the night coinciding with the first (deafening) boos for Luis Enrique. That's why the Spanish coach, despite the reassurances of DiBenedetto and Sabatini, can no longer make mistakes: a misstep against Cagliari would put him even more on the gridiron.
The rest of the afternoon will be dedicated to the provinces, but no less interesting for this. Mihajlovic's Fiorentina will receive Bologna at Artemio Franchi, for what has always been called "The derby of the Apennines". The rivalry between the two teams is great, which is another reason why the Viola will not have to make mistakes. The transfer campaign left a bad taste in the mouth of the Florentine fans, the sales campaign did the same in the locker room. Everyone knows that Montolivo and Gilardino would have gladly moved on, so there is curiosity to understand how Franchi will welcome the two "traitors".
Guidolin's Udinese also promises a show, on stage at the "Via del Mare" in Lecce. On paper, the Friulians are favourites, because they have a higher technical rate and because playing away exalts Totò Di Natale's characteristics more. On April 3, however, the Bianconeri suffered one of the worst defeats of the season right at the "Via del Mare" (2-0, brace from Bertolacci). Therefore, Udinese warned.
The "Ferraris" promises to be a good match, where Genoa will receive the newly promoted Atalanta. The rossoblu are favourites, who have changed a lot and want to redeem last season, made up more of shadows than lights. However, the Nerazzurri, in light of the 6 penalty points inflicted following the betting scandal, cannot make calculations and will go to Liguria looking for full loot.
Attention also to Catania - Siena and Chievo - Novara, the first steps of a fight for salvation that promises to be as competitive as ever. The grand finale will instead be staged at the "Barbera" in Palermo, where the rosanero will challenge Inter for the first postponement of the season. Here too, the theme of rookies is preponderant: all the cameras will be focused on Gian Piero Gasperini, Diego Forlan and Mauro Zarate, the big news from the Nerazzurri. Even on the Palermo front, however, there will be a lot of curiosity about Devis Mangia, a coach catapulted from the Rosanero spring to the first team. Inter are favourites, but the "Barbera" is a difficult terrain for everyone. Almost impossible to make predictions, for this game as for all the others. Because our championship may no longer be the best in the world, but it is certainly the most balanced and full of surprises of all. All that remains is to go to the stadium or sit in an armchair to enjoy the show.
