With the Serie A set to kick off today, MiD DAY takes a look at the most promising contenders to wear the Italian crown this season

AC Milan


Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The defending champions will be keen to hold on to the Serie A summit having finally broken Inter Milan's five year reign as champions. Boasting of players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Alexandre Pato in their ranks Milan are assured to treat their fans with plenty of goals. But at the same time signings of Phillipe Mexes and Taye Taiwo ensures ample cover at the back. Milan look the strongest contenders for the Italian crown this season. Theu00a0 depth and variety in Massimiliano Allegri's squad also gives the Italians a chance to stake a serious stake for the European Champions League title.u00a0

Last year's standing: No 1
Manager: Massimiliano Allegri
Key signings: Alberto Aquilani (Liverpool), Taye Taiwo (Marseille), Phillipe Mexes (Roma).
Key exits: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

Inter Milan
Inter Milan won five Serie A titles under Roberto Mancini and Jose Mourinho. The latter took them to the pinnacle of success with a treble in the 2009-10 season that saw them win the Champions League. But since the Portuguese tactician's departure for Real Madrid, the blue half of Milan have struggled to find stability having changed two managers in more than just a year. Also, the sale of Samuel Eto'o looked to leave a hole in the Inter squad but Gian Piero Gasperini found a more than able replacement in Uruguayan talisman Diego Forlan. Also Inter succeeded in keeping Wesley Sneijderu00a0 who was linked with a move to Manchester United. Inter look the strongest contenders to ruffle favourites AC Milan.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0