Juve even stronger than last season

EUROPEAN champions AC Milan and title-holders Juventus again start as favourites when the Italian Serie A season gets underway tomorrow.

But Inter Milan, desperate for their first 'scudetto' since 1989, and Rome clubs Lazio and AS Roma, will all be aiming to intervene in the race between last season's Champions League finalists.

That final may have failed to live up to expectations, with Milan winning on penalties after a goalless and largely dull match, but the long haul of the Italian season promises plenty of drama.