Inter Demolish Monza as Napoli and Cagliari Also Impress on Serie A Opening Day

Serie A returned on Saturday with four matches that offered early clues about the shape of the season ahead, and the day belonged firmly to the big guns. Internazionale set the tone with a commanding 4-1 victory over promoted Monza at San Siro in Milano, sending an immediate message to their title rivals that they intend to pick up exactly where they left off.

Napoli were equally impressive on the road, shutting out Genoa and running out 2-0 winners at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genova. An away clean sheet on the opening day is always an encouraging sign, and Napoli's performance will fuel optimism among their supporters that the club can mount a serious challenge this term.

Cagliari produced the result of the day for the neutral, edging Parma 1-0 at the Ennio Tardini to bank three points on their travels. For Parma, a home defeat on day one is a sobering start and puts early pressure on the squad to respond quickly.

The afternoon's only draw came in Udine, where Udinese and Como played out a 1-1 stalemate at the Stadio Friuli. A point apiece on opening day is a reasonable platform for both sides, though neither will be entirely satisfied given the opportunity to claim maximum points at home.

With the early standings already taking shape, attention now turns to the midweek fixtures as all twenty clubs look to build momentum. Inter's statement win sets the benchmark, but Napoli's disciplined display on the road suggests the title race may be far from a foregone conclusion.