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The Champions League is back, and the new edition kicks off with a fresh format, especially in the initial phase. This week marks the start of the renewed competition, featuring five Italian teams engaged in the innovative "league phase": a single group format where each team faces eight opponents, with four matches played at home and four away.
Juventus, under coach Thiago Motta, will open the new season. The Bianconeri will debut at the Allianz Stadium against PSV at 6:45 PM. The Dutch side has had a perfect start in the Eredivisie, boasting five wins out of five and 20 goals scored. At 9:00 PM, Fonseca’s Milan will begin their campaign, hosting Slot’s Liverpool. Reigning champions Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will also make their debuts at home against Dinamo Zagreb and Stuttgart, respectively.
It’s a fiery start for both Milan and Italian champions Inter. Simone Inzaghi's squad faces the toughest challenge of the "league phase" right away. On Wednesday at 9:00 PM, the Nerazzurri will travel to face Guardiola's Manchester City, who are currently topping the Premier League with Erling Haaland scoring nine goals in the first five matches.
Wednesday will also see Bologna, coached by Italiano, take on Shakhtar Donetsk at the Stadio Dall’Ara, with kickoff set for 6:45 PM. On Thursday, Atalanta will be the last Italian side to take the stage in the Champions League, hosting Arsenal. Eyes will also be on other big matches, including Monaco vs. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid vs. RB Leipzig.
