Serie A: Challenges for AC Milan, Rising Como, Transfer Talks

Rome, Aug 28 (AP) AC Milan's issues seem to persist from last season. Defending Serie A champion, Napoli, and the 2023-24 winner, Inter Milan, have shown themselves as leading contenders. Meanwhile, Como looks poised to challenge the traditional top teams.

These were the key insights from the opening round of Serie A.

Crucial encounters After their loss to promoted Cremonese at the iconic San Siro, Milan is under significant pressure as they prepare to face Lecce this Friday. Returning coach Massimiliano Allegri currently grapples with attacking challenges as the Rossoneri struggles to secure a steady center forward, with several potential transfers falling through.

Como, spearheaded by Real Madrid's Nico Paz, who recorded both a goal and an assist, claimed an impressive victory over Lazio in their opener. Now, Como is set to face the Italian Cup champion, Bologna, on Saturday, aiming to measure their strength. Managed by Cesc Fabregas and owned by Indonesian tobacco magnates Roberto Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono, Como invested 104 million euros ($121 million) in recent transfers, ranking fifth in the league spending.

Additionally, Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma is scheduled to visit the newly promoted Pisa on Saturday. This marks Pisa's first Serie A match in 34 years at the Arena Garibaldi, which is situated near the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Players to watch Juventus has been attempting to transfer Dusan Vlahovic, who earns an annual salary of 12 million euros ($14 million) and holds the league's highest player salary. Despite this, Vlahovic has declined every offer, but he scored in Juve's 2-0 opening win against Parma. Another strong performance against Genoa on Sunday might persuade Juventus to retain him.

Inter's lack of attacking alternatives last season during absences of Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram will be tested again. However, Francesco Pio Esposito, a promising 20-year-old, might make his Serie A debut for Inter when they compete against Udinese on Sunday. Esposito, who rose through Inter’s youth ranks, netted 17 goals on a loan stint with Spezia in Serie B last season, and also scored for Inter against River Plate in the Club World Cup.

Unavailable players At 35, former four-time Serie A top scorer Ciro Immobile recently signed with Bologna but is out for an estimated eight weeks following a right leg injury.

Additionally, Juventus midfielder Andrea Cambiaso has been handed a two-match ban after striking a Parma opponent in the face.

Off-the-field developments Serie A officials have requested further information before reaching a decision regarding racial abuse targeted at Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie by Parma fans.

On the transfer front, Serie A champion Napoli is engaging in discussions with Manchester United to potentially sign Rasmus Hojlund as a replacement for their injured striker, Romelu Lukaku.

Serie A President Ezio Simonelli has expressed concerns that Italy may lose its opportunity to co-host the 2032 European Championship alongside Turkey unless there are immediate efforts to modernize stadium infrastructure. (AP)

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)