Return of big names will help shape Serie A title race

Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba are looking to kick-start their careers by moving back to Serie A, while their clubs are hoping to rediscover the winning formula from their previous stints.

Belgium international Lukaku scored 24 goals to help Inter win their first title in 11 years in the 2020-21 season before joining Chelsea. He has returned to Italy on loan after a disappointing spell at the Premier League side.

Pogba, who played a key role in France's 2018 World Cup win, has returned to Juventus on a free transfer from Manchester United. He won four straight titles during his previous stint with Juve.

Pogba has been sidelined with a torn meniscus ahead of the season but Italian media reported that he has opted not to undergo surgery and could be back playing by mid-September.

AC Milan followed in the footsteps of Inter by clinching their first title in 11 years last season but the bookmakers have them behind both their local rivals and a revamped Juve.

While welcoming a familiar face in Pogba, Juventus have bid farewell to several players - including Giorgio Chiellini and fellow defender Matthijs de Ligt - to make room for Massimiliano Allegri's rebuild.

The manager has been keen to downplay his side's chances, saying their rivals "have strengthened a lot".

"I think Inter, Milan and Roma are much stronger than last year. Winning will be more difficult, you will have to work very well," Allegri told reporters.

After a second successive fourth-placed finish, Juve have been busy in the transfer market, signing forward Angel Di Maria and Torino defender Gleison Bremer.

Roma's Europa Conference League win - their first major European title in more than six decades and their first trophy in 14