Monza tied for the championship, three Slovenians started on the bench #Live

The Italian football league kicked off its 125th season with matches played on Saturday, August 22, 2026. In one of the early fixtures, Inter Milan hosted Monza at San Siro. The match saw Milanese midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu open the scoring in the sixth minute, giving his team the lead. On the other side, young goalkeeper Aljaž Strajnar was among the substitutes for Monza, who were managed by three Slovenian coaches. This marked a notable presence of Slovenian nationalities in the coaching staff of Serie A teams during the opening round. In another game, Udinese welcomed Como at the Friuli stadium. Both teams featured Slovenian players, including David Pejičić and Sandi Lovrić for Udinese. Meanwhile, Napoli, the reigning runners-up, were set to face Genoa later that evening. Parma, meanwhile, would host Cagliari, continuing their campaign in the top flight. The weekend’s action also included Juventus visiting Frosinone on Sunday, while AC Milan traveled to Turin for their match against Torino. The final round of the first week will take place on Monday, with Roma hosting Fiorentina and Bologna facing Lazio. These games form part of the broader schedule that will unfold over the coming weeks. Several Slovenian players continue to feature prominently in Serie A. Among them are Luka Topalović, who plays for Inter Milan, and Relja Obrić, who is part of Atalanta's squad. Additionally, Luka Kušić has joined Bologna, and Dominik Drobnič is playing for Parma. Their inclusion highlights the growing influence of Slovenian talent within Italy’s top-tier football competition. The opening day of the season saw several high-profile matchups, each contributing to the competitive landscape of Serie A. With teams preparing for the challenges ahead, the focus shifts towards maintaining form and securing crucial points in the early stages of the campaign. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for developments in both player performances and managerial strategies. Looking ahead, the second round of fixtures will begin on Tuesday, August 24, 2026. The continued presence of Slovenian coaches and players underscores the increasing integration of international talents into the fabric of Italian football. As teams adapt to new challenges, the outcomes of these early matches could have lasting implications for the rest of the season.