Serie A August 23 Preview: Inter Milan vs Monza & Genoa vs Napoli | Predictions and Score Tips

The 2026/27 Serie A season gets underway with two interesting fixtures for Indian football fans on August 23. Defending champions Inter Milan begin their title defence against newly-promoted Monza, while Napoli travel to face Genoa in what could be a much tighter contest.

Serie A has officially confirmed both fixtures as part of Matchday 1, with Inter-Monza among the opening games of the new campaign.

Inter Milan vs Monza

Inter begin their new Serie A campaign at San Siro against a Monza side returning to the Italian top flight.

On paper, this is one of the clearer mismatches of the opening round. Inter enter the season as defending champions and possess significantly greater quality and squad depth.

Monza earned promotion after finishing third and winning the Serie B play-offs, so their immediate priority at San Siro is likely to be defensive organisation rather than trying to match Inter in an open contest.

The key for Inter will be patience. If the Nerazzurri can score early and force Monza to move higher up the pitch, more spaces should appear for the hosts to exploit.

With home advantage and a stronger squad, Inter should have enough quality to start their title defence with three points.

Prediction: Inter Milan to win
Score Prediction: Inter Milan 2-0 Monza

Genoa vs Napoli

Napoli face a more difficult opening assignment as they travel to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris to take on Genoa.

The visitors have the stronger squad and greater attacking quality, but Genoa can be difficult to break down at home. Opening-weekend matches can also be unpredictable as teams are still finding their rhythm after pre-season.

Napoli should look to control possession and force Genoa deeper, while the hosts are likely to rely on compact defending and quick transitions.

If Napoli can avoid giving away easy counter-attacking opportunities, their superior individual quality should eventually make the difference.

However, this looks more competitive than Inter's opener and Genoa have enough threat to make the visitors work for the result.

Prediction: Napoli to win
Score Prediction: Genoa 1-2 Napoli

Final Verdict

Inter look like the stronger pick of the two favourites, especially with home advantage against newly-promoted Monza.

Napoli should also have enough quality to take all three points, although their trip to Genoa could be considerably closer.

Final Picks: Inter Milan win | Napoli win