Rome  - A smooth start followed by high-voltage classic games marks the beginning of the Italian Serie A for big guns Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan.

Champions Inter have an easy home affair Sunday afternoon against newcomers Bari, but will have to switch to high gears the following weekend for a city derby with Milan.

The Devils' new coach Leonardo, who remained with the club's staff after playing four seasons with Milan, begins his coaching career Saturday evening away to Tuscany side Siena.

After the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, who moved on to Chelsea, the Brazilian spent the summer rebuilding a team weakened by the transfer of star Kaka to Real Madrid.

Milan had some dull pre-season showings, but last weekend beat Juventus on penalties in a friendly, which prompted Leonardo to praise the grit displayed on the pitch.

"I feel this this team is more and more mine," he said.

Leonardo, however, will miss new Dutch striker Jan-Klaas Huntelaar, who carries a one-game suspension from his former team Real Madrid.

Juve seem to be already in good form and are considered by many as Inter's chief opponents in the race for the title.

International goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon conceded that Inter "are once again the team to beat, but this absolutely should not discourage us.

"If anything, it will be one more reason to improve. We'll have to get onto the pitch each time determined not to leave points to anyone, because each point could be crucial in the end."

Buffon also warned about Sunday visitors Chievo, a solid underdog team who in the spring snatched a 3-3 draw in Turin through a hat-trick from striker Sergio Pellissier.

As for Inter and Milan, things get hard for Juve in the second round when they visit Roma, who open the season Sunday with a tough game at Genoa.

Bologna and Fiorentina open the league Saturday afternoon, Palermo and Napoli play a southern-Italy derby on Sunday, when Lazio, who beat Inter in the Italian Supercup, take on Atalanta.

In remaining Sunday games, Catania are at home to Sampdoria, promoted Livorno host Cagliari and Udinese welcome Parma, the top flight's third newcomers. (dpa)