Inter Milan begin defence at Bologna

Serie A champions Inter Milan will begin the new season with a trip to Bologna, it has been announced following the official draw for the 2010/2011 fixtures.

Last season’s runners-up AS Roma begin at home to newly-promoted Cesena while Inter’s city rivals AC Milan host another promoted side in Lecce.

Juventus begin with a trip down south to Bari while Fiorentina host Napoli.

The first big clash of the season will be in the fifth week, on September 26, when Roma host Inter while the champions will entertain Juventus the week after on October 3.

Milan are due to play Juventus on October 31, the ninth week, and the first Milan derby of the year will be on November 14, with Inter the nominal hosts at the San Siro.

A week before that Lazio host Roma in the capital derby at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma coach Claudio Ranieri played down the importance of the calendar, though.

“Every season has its own story, you can’t be thinking about having an easy start or not,” he said.

“Every match needs to be played and sooner or later you have to play everyone.”

Juventus coach Luigi Delneri was more intrigued by the fixtures.

“It’s a very interesting calendar that sees two title pretenders Inter and Roma play as early as the fifth week,” he said.

“As for us we begin away to Bari on August 29 and end at home to Napolim on May 22.

“We have to have the maximum commitment for the whole season.”

The season kicks-off on August 28, although Inter’s first match will be on Monday August 30 due to their participation in the European Super Cup.