The Serie A season is underway, after a somewhat tumultuous window, with big name players leaving Italy for England and Saudi. One team seems to be the team to beat this year. Reigning champions Napoli. This article will cover Napoli and Roma’s strong start. Keep an eye out for part two where we dive even deeper into Italy’s top flight league.

Napoli in the driving seat

Napoli are two wins from two, alongside Roma, Juventus and Cremonese, topping the table and yet to concede. They are undoubtedly the team to beat. With some world-class incomings in the summer window, they have only strengthened the Scudetto-winning side.

Kevin De Bruyne. That is all. One of the greatest midfielders to play the game will be vital in Napoli’s title defence this year. Having left Manchester City as both a club and league legend, he arrives in Naples at 34 years old with expectations high among the Gli Azzurri faithful. The Belgian has started well, already scoring in a 2–0 opening-day victory over Sassuolo.

While he struggled with injuries and form last year, De Bruyne’s quality is undeniable. In a league played at a slower pace than the Premier League, he is expected to thrive, especially having already built up a superb relationship with international teammate Romelu Lukaku.

The midfield he has joined in the opening two weeks has the legs and defensive attributes to allow De Bruyne to operate as something of a luxury player: less running and graft, but the quality to deliver when it matters. With Lobotka and Zambo Anguissa alongside him, the Belgian looks set to flourish

We have also seen a change in role for the Ballon d’Or–nominated Scott McTominay, who, in the opening two games of the season, has started as a left-sided attacker. Now, I don’t want to outright call him a left winger, but he’s certainly started out on the left side of the pitch. With the traditional winger Politano occupying the right wing, it is likely we will see McTominay as the box-crasher he was last season: playing very narrow and allowing Spinazzola to provide the wide threat on the left.

Napoli are certainly the team to beat, despite a lengthy injury to Lukaku. Lucca and Højlund should provide ample back-up. Despite Højlund having a nightmarish time at Manchester United, at only 22 years old the Dane has plenty of time. Looking back at his performances for Atalanta, which earned him the big-money move to Old Trafford, this loan deal could prove to be an extremely shrewd piece of business indeed.

Lucca’s quality speaks for itself, still young and has already had strong two seasons in Italy’s top flight at Udinese, scoring 12 last year. While he is likely to be second fiddle in this Napoli team, he certainly can bring a goal when it matters. He also provides a sharp difference in striker to the speedy powerful Højlund. Standing at 6ft 7in, his hold up play will be a refreshing alternative.

The Giallorossi start strong

Roma look like a team on the rise. It will be hard for anyone to replace club icon Claudio Ranieri as manager, but Gasperini has certainly started well in his new colours. After such a strong spell in black and blue with Atalanta, he made the switch in a bid to return Roma to the good times – both in Italy and in Europe.

The Giallorossi have looked solid in their opening two fixtures, with 1–0 wins over Bologna and newly-promoted Pisa. The structure is there, the player quality is there, and Roma now have the perfect chance to leapfrog their rivals.

Matías Soulé looks set for a breakthrough season, the kind where teams and fans across Europe begin to take notice of an emerging talent. He has already opened his goalscoring account with a well-placed finish in the side’s victory over Pisa. The winger appears to be thriving in Gasperini’s system and seems to have nailed down the right-sided attacking midfield role.The Argentinian has enjoyed his two seasons in Italy so far, hitting double digits in goal contributions in both of them. The 22 year old could be the key to Rome’s success.

Roma have strengthened in the transfer window too. Evan Ferguson from Brighton could prove to be a great signing. As the irishman looks to get his career back on track, his physicality will help him adapt. I expect him to thrive for the Giallorossi. They seemed to have finally solved their problems at full back as well. With the signing of Brazilian Wesley, who seems to be the perfect archetype of player for his attacking right wing back role.

As well as the, in my opinion, superb acquisition of Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas. Tsimikas, who was never going to shift Andy Robertson or the newly signed Milos Kerkez. Still looks to have the required ability to make an impact for Roma.

Roma start well, whether they can continue this good start after the international break is yet to be decided. But with games against Lazio and Inter Milan in their next five, Roma need to keep up this strong start.