Inter favourites to retain Serie A title with rivals under new management

Aug 18 : Italy’s Serie A is preparing to kick off on August 22 with the Scudetto race more open than in recent years as champions Inter Milan face a sweeping generational change.While Inter on paper look like the favourites to retain their Scudetto trophy, Cristian Chivu’s side are changing the old guard for a team built on new foundations. The club has parted ways with keeper Yann Sommer and veteran Ivan Provedel has arrived from Lazio and will likely begin the season as back-up for Josep Martinez. New signings John Stones, 32, and Manuel Akanji, who played together at Manchester City, along with Djed Spence, are set to anchor the defence.The 31-year-old Swiss Akanji has joined permanently after a spell on loan last term and will welcome the arrival of England internationals Stones and Sp