The Viola host last season's third-placed side at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 1800 local time on Saturday, August 25, while defending champions Juventus will follow with their home game against Parma brought forward to Saturday night. Sampdoria's return to the top flight takes them to AC Milan on Sunday evening at 1800, while the remaining six fixtures of the first weekend will take place on Sunday night to avoid the heat expected during daylight hours. Last season's second-division champions Pescara travel to Torino to kick off the second round of matches on Saturday, September 1 with Bologna's trip to Milan also brought forward to Saturday. Udinese host Juventus in Sunday's earlier game with the remaining matches again staged in the evening. No games will take place the following weekend due to internationals, but from September 15 matches will be spread over the weekend to include two on a Saturday, one lunchtime kick-off on a Sunday, five games at 1500 and one evening kick-off. Friday night games will also be introduced once the draw for the Champions League group stage has been made at the end of August, to give sides involved in Tuesday evening matches a few extra days of preparation.
