Serie A - Week 1: Saturday Review

Italian champions Inter had to settle for a point at Sampdoria on the opening day of the Serie A season but Udinese hit the ground running against Palermo thanks to a top brace from Antonio Di Natale.

SAMPDORIA 1-1 INTER
Jose Mourinho's first league game at the Inter helm appeared destined for victory when Zlatan Ibrahimovic swapped passes with Amantino Mancini and fired into the far corner on 33 minutes. But Sampdoria rallied after the interval and could have had more to show for their efforts than Gennaro Delvecchio's effort midway through the half, converted after Daniele Franceschini headed Marco Padalino's cross into his path. Antonio Cassano and Angelo Palombo both had chances to secure the points for the hosts, with the latter bringing a smart save from Julio Cesar as Inter held on.

UDINESE 3-1 PALERMO
In the season's first match, Gokhan Inler celebrated his contract extension at Udinese by scoring the final goal in their 3-1 home success against Palermo. Italy striker Antonio Di Natale curled in a ninth-minute opener to set the UEFA Cup hopefuls on their way before adding his second later in the half with a cute chip over Marco Amelia following a long pass from Gaetano D'Agostino. Mark Bresciano hauled the visitors back into contention with 20 minutes remaining but within a minute Inler had his say, heading in a corner to dash Palermo's comeback hopes.

SERIE A REVIEW:
[Saturday 30 Aug] - [Sunday 31 Aug]