Sunday’s opponents: Spal

It’s nearly time to go again for Semplici’s Spal side, who well aware of last year’s achievement, will once again be seeking to secure Serie A salvation this season. A run of 11 positive results in the final three months of last year’s campaign ensured their spot in Italy’s top tier for another 12 months, in what was a well-deserved achievement for the outfit from Ferrara. Now, with a combination of experience and youthful talent, this solid and compact side will look to build upon their recent win in the Coppa Italia and crack on in the league.

Despite insignificant statistics, the Biancazzurra’s main strength last year was being able to get the very best out of their team. The attack wasn’t particularly prolific, with the arrival of Petagna hopefully providing Antenucci with some additional support up front. Conceding 59 goals last season, they’ll up also be keen to sure up their back line, one that could also include Djourou, Simic and Bonifazi.

It remains to be seen how much they’ll miss Mattiello on the left and Grassi in the middle, with Semplici hopeful that Fares can make the step up after his mixed experience with Verona last season. The Coach will also be reliant on Valoti and new signing Valdifiori. Other important arrivals include that of Kurtic, Everton and Lazzari, with Dickmann also set offer options from the bench. Moncini is an interesting prospect up front, while Milinkovic will have to impress if he is to prise the first-team gloves away from Gomis.