The European champions begin their assault on the Scudetto at a venue which holds dark memories. The return to Serie A of Genoa after a 12-year absence has been over-shadowed by the reminders of Vincenzo Spagnolo’s murder in 1995 that have been thrown up by the opening day fixtures computer. The young Genoa fan was stabbed prior to a Serie A clash between the two clubs – causing the match to be abandoned when news reached the players.

The two teams haven’t faced each other in Serie A since that fateful day, so perhaps it is best that this meeting is out of the way early in the season. There is also talk of banning away fans, but hopefully it will be the players and not the tifosi who make the headlines.

Unsurprisingly, given their relative lack of summer business, there is unlikely to be any debutants for Milan on Sunday – but possibly surprisingly considering their meagre Serie A performance with the same squad last term. Main capture, Alexandre Pato, is unavailable until January and Emerson is unlikely to start seeing as his transfer from Real Madrid was only completed late on Tuesday night.

Genoa seem set on giving four debuts on Sunday. Defender Gleison Santos, Juve-owned midfielder Matteo Paro and attackers N’Diaye Papa Waigo and Marco Borriello will all plan to pull on the blue and red halved shirt for the first time against Milan. The last of that quartet will have extra determination given his exit from the San Siro over the summer. His drug ban leaves him with bitter memories of his time with the Rossoneri – what better way to heal the wounds than a goal against his ex-employers?

Paolo Maldini will begin a phenomenal 24th Serie A campaign, but won’t partner Alessandro Nesta at the back because of fitness issues. Despite that absence they would like a repeat of last season’s water-tight start – just one goal conceded in their first five matches. Ronaldo will also probably be missing which may see the Rossoneri revert to a 4-3-2-1 formation, with Clarence Seedorf and Kaka playing behind lone striker Alberto Gilardino.

Milan host Fiorentina in Week 2, which will be a real test of their domestic credentials for the season ahead, so any unnecessary points dropped at Marassi could increase the tension going into that encounter. Genoa will relish the challenge of facing Milan, but realistically must know that a draw would be a grand result. With a trip to Catania to follow the Grifoni could set themselves up with a nice base for the rest of the season if they can take anything from their illustrious opponents.

Keep an eye on: N’Diaye Papa Waigo (Genoa) – A summer signing from Cesena, many are tipping him to become the revelation of the season. His credentials will be well and truly tested against this Milan defence.

Last season: Not played

Form guide: Genoa (- - - - -) Milan (- - - - -)

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Genoa (probable): Rubinho; Santos, De Rosa, Bovo; Fabiano, Paro, Milanetto, Rossi; Di Vaio, Borriello, Papa Waigo

Milan (probable): Dida; Oddo, Bonera, Nesta, Jankulovski; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Gattuso; Seedorf, Kaka; Gilardino

Ref: To follow...